Pseudowintera axillaris aka Lowland Horopito

Pseudowintera axillaris is an evergreen shrub or small tree from New Zealand. It belongs to the Winteraceae family. Common names include heropito and pepper tree. An older scientific name is Drimys axillaris. Kew lists its native climate as subtropical. In the wild, it grows in lowland and lower mountain forests. Its range covers parts of both North and South Islands. These forest records lie between about 35° and 42° south.

Plants For A Future gives a height of about 25 feet [7.5 metres]. It gives the same figure for the plant's spread. The plant keeps its leaves throughout the year. Its size makes it a large shrub for a woodland garden. Plants For A Future lists flowering from May to June. Each flower has both male and female organs. The supplied species records give no further flower or fruit details.

Choose a cool site with soil that holds moisture but drains well. The soil should contain plenty of humus. This plant accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils. It prefers mildly acid to neutral conditions and dislikes lime. It can grow in sun or partial shade. Light woodland suits it, as do woodland edges with dappled shade. In Britain, outdoor growth is best confined to milder areas. The evidence gives no precise hardiness zone. Plants tolerate pruning when needed.

Seed, greenwood cuttings and layering offer ways to raise new plants. Sow fresh, ripe seed in autumn in a cold frame. Spring sowing is another option. Move seedlings into separate pots once they are large enough. Keep them in light shade through at least their first winter. Plant them outside in late spring or early summer, after expected frosts. Young plants may need cold protection during their first winter outdoors. Take greenwood cuttings during summer.

The red wood has a recorded use in decorative inlay. Plants For A Future also records traditional medicinal uses. These include pain relief, astringent uses and use as a tonic. Such records do not establish that home treatment is safe or effective. The same source lists no known edible uses. It reports no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. Its weed-potential entry is negative. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.