This small tree has a smooth greyish trunk with spreading branches that form a rounded crown. It has dark green oblong leaves that have a marbled appearance and the small star-shaped white flowers appear in clusters during spring.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10

Carpodetus serratusis naturally found on both islands of New Zealand growing in semi shaded, protected positions appearing in forest margins and along creeks at an altitude of 1050m (3,000ft).

It prefers well drained fertile soils in a semi-shade to sunny position and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

Putaputaweta is a small tree that is grown for its fragrant flowers and its unusual foliage. It is planted in parks and gardens as a specimen or in groups to form a border. It is suitable for moist mountain regions and establishes in 2 to 4 years. It is also planted on the shaded side of buildings or in botanical collections and is suitable for temperate regions. ID 1952

Carpodetus(kar-po-DET-us) serratus(se-RAH-tus)

Escalloniaceae (es-kaa-LON-ee-AY-se-ee)