Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Pseudopanax
Species: P. arboreus
Scientific name: Pseudopanax arboreus
Synonyms: Nothopanax arboreus, Neopanax arboreus, Panax arboreus,; Panax arboreum
Common name: Whauwhaupaku, Five finger,
This plant is poisonous
Visit [[../plants-toxic-if-eaten-by-man.html|http://www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/plants-toxic-if-eaten-by-man.html]]
This is one of New Zealand’s most common native trees found from Cape Reinga to Bluff in lowland forests. Its particular form of a glossy, five to seven-fingered leaf along with quick and luxuriant growth. It grows into a small stout tree up to 8 metres high and grows well in most soils and situations.
It has large leaves divided into 5-7 leaflets. Pseudopanax arboreus is fast growing with small purplish black berries in autumn. The leaves are a favourite food of the possum New Zealand's main forest pest.
For more details visit: http://nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.aspx?ID=1194
The inflorescence of dark purple flower buds.
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Male flower buds opening.
Open male flowers with long stamens that release pollen.
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The stalks of an inflorescence.
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Female tree with large clusters of ripe purplish-black fruit. Notice the leaf scars on the branches.
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Young branch.
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The top surface of a leaf.22cm long
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[http://ketenewplymouth.peoplesnetworknz.info/image_files/0000/0004/7719/Pseudopanex_arboreus__Five_Finger__Whauwhaupaku-010.JPG
]The underside of a leaf.
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