This small tree has a greyish trunk with spreading brittle branches that form a rounded crown. It has large glossy dark green oblong leathery leaves and the small greenish cup-shaped flowers appear in clusters during spring.  

Hardiness zones 10 to 12 

Meryta sinclairii is naturally found in the North Island of New Zealand and extending to the neighbouring northern islands growing in well drained moderately fertile moist soil. 

It prefers an open sunny position and is tolerant of salt laden wind but is frost and drought tender. 

Punkanui is grown for its tropical appearance and its dense rounded crown. It is planted in small gardens along borders or in parks and public areas as a specimen tree. It is suitable or coastal regions establishing in 3 to 5 years and may be grown as a tub specimen for a courtyard or around swimming pools. Young plants require protection from frost. ID 2828

Note:
This plant is not commonly cultivated outside its native environment and may be difficult to obtained, requiring a specialist nursery.

Meryta (mery-TAH) sinclairii (sin-KLAIR-ee-eye)

Araliaceae (ah-RA-lee-AY-see-ee)