Pseudowintera

New Zealand’s Best Pseudowintera Plants

Growing NZ natives in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They attract birds and bees
• It helps to preserve New Zealand’s species
• Greater biodiversity is created
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We’ll help you find the right Horopito for your space. Choose from a wide variety of New Zealand-native plants that have been eco-sourced and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Pseudowintera, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Pseudowintera

1. Can you grow Horopito from cuttings?

Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) can be grown from cuttings. This is a relatively easy and successful method of propagation.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grow Horopito from cuttings:

1. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems from a mature horopito plant. The cuttings should be about 10-15cm (4-6 inches) long and have at least two sets of leaves.
2. Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings, leaving a few sets of leaves at the top. Dip the cut ends of the cuttings in rooting hormone to encourage root development.
3. Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix. The mix should be moist but not soggy.
4. Make a hole in the potting mix with a pencil and insert the cutting. Firm the soil around the cutting to secure it in place.
5. Water the cuttings gently until the soil is moist but not dripping.
6. Place the cuttings in a warm, humid environment: Cover the pot with a plastic bag or cloche to create a humid environment. Place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight.
7. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Check the cuttings regularly for signs of rooting, which should take 4-6 weeks.
8. Pot up the rooted cuttings: Once the cuttings have developed a good root system, you can pot them up into individual pots with fresh potting mix.
9. Water your horopito plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Provide them with partial shade and protect them from frost.

2. Where can you find Horopito?

Horopito, also known as Pseudowintera colorata, is a native New Zealand shrub or small tree found in moist upland forests throughout many of the country's mountains. It is typically found in the North Island and the northern half of the South Island. Horopito prefers partial shade to full shade and well-drained soil.

Here are some specific places where you can find Horopito in New Zealand:

• National parks and reserves: Horopito is commonly found in many New Zealand national parks and reserves, including:
  • Tararua Forest Park
  • Pukekohe Domain
  • Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
  • Coromandel Forest Park
  • Fiordland National Park
• Private land: Horopito may also be found on private land, particularly in areas with native forest cover. If you are unsure whether horopito is present on private land, it is always best to ask the landowner for permission before foraging.
• Specialty stores: Some specialty stores that sell New Zealand native herbs and spices may also carry horopito.
• Online retailers: Horopito is also available from some online retailers that specialize in New Zealand products.

Please note: Horopito is a slow-growing plant, and it is important to harvest it sustainably. Only harvest a small amount of the leaves or berries at a time, and leave the rest of the plant to continue growing.

Here are some additional tips for finding Horopito:

• Look for it in damp, shady areas: Horopito typically grows in moist, shady areas, so look for it under the canopy of trees or in areas with dense vegetation.
• Smell for it: Horopito has a distinctive peppery aroma, so you may be able to smell it before you see it.
• Look for its leaves: Horopito leaves are small and oval-shaped with a serrated edge. They are typically green, but they can also be purple or reddish in color.
• Look for its berries: Horopito berries are small and round, and they are typically red or black in color.

3. How big do Horopito trees get?

Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters (33 feet) tall, but it is more commonly seen as a shrub that grows to 1-3 meters (3-10 feet) tall. It is a slow-growing plant, and it can take many years for it to reach its mature height.

4. Is horopito native to NZ?

Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) is a native shrub or small tree to New Zealand. It is commonly found in moist upland forests throughout many of the country's mountains.

5. What is the Maori use of horopito?

Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata), a native New Zealand shrub or small tree, has a long history of use by Māori people. Its distinctive peppery taste and medicinal properties have made it a valuable resource in traditional Māori culture.

Traditional Māori Uses of Horopito:

1. Food: Horopito leaves were used as a seasoning and flavoring agent in Māori cuisine. Their peppery taste added a unique zest to dishes made with meat, fish, and vegetables.
2. Medicine: Horopito leaves were widely used in traditional Māori medicine for their antibacterial, antifungal, and analgesic properties. They were chewed to relieve toothaches, applied to wounds and skin infections to promote healing, and consumed to treat stomach ailments and respiratory problems.
3. Cosmetics: Horopito leaves were incorporated into various cosmetics and personal care products. Their antibacterial and antifungal properties made them suitable for making soap and shampoo, and their essential oils were used to create fragrances and perfumes.
4. Spiritual Significance: Horopito held spiritual significance in Māori culture, often associated with healing rituals and spiritual ceremonies. Its pungent aroma was believed to cleanse and purify the environment, and its medicinal properties were seen as a reflection of its connection to the spiritual realm.
5. Symbolism: Horopito's peppery taste and medicinal properties earned it the nickname "Māori painkiller" and made it a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness among Māori people. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments mirrored the adaptability and strength of Māori culture.

Horopito continues to play a role in contemporary Māori culture, both as a culinary ingredient and as a symbol of traditional knowledge and heritage. Its unique flavor and medicinal properties are gaining wider recognition, and its use in modern cuisine and wellness products is expanding. Horopito serves as a reminder of the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of New Zealand.