Didymocheton spectabilis (Kohekohe)

Didymocheton spectabilis (syn. Dysoxylum spectabile), commonly known as Kohekohe is a medium-sized tree in the Meliaceae family, native to New Zealand. It is found in lowland and coastal forests throughout most of the North Island and also occurs in the Marlborough Sounds in the north of the South Island. Mature trees grow up to 15m in height, with a trunk up to a metre in diameter. They leaves are arranged pinnately, with 3-4 pairs and a terminal leaflet. Small waxy white flowers are borne in loose panicles directly from the branches and trunk (cauliflorus) in early winter. The fruits take 15 months to ripen, when they split to reveal the scarlet capsules that contain the seed. Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees, so a female tree is required to obtain fruit. Provide shade, shelter and a good moist soil for best results. Frost tender when young.