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 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.
Male flower buds opening.
Open male flowers with long stamens that release pollen.
The stalks of an inflorescence.
Female tree with large clusters of ripe purplish-black fruit. Notice the leaf scars on the branches.
Young branch.
The top surface of a leaf.22cm long
[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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