This glabrous large shrub to small tree has ascending branches that form a rounded habit. It has divided leaves with glossy green pointed oblong leaflets. The male and female flowers appear in clusters during summer followed by purplish fruit.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10 

Pseudopanax lessonii is naturally found in New Zealand on the coast of the North Island from Poverty Bay extending to the Three King Islands growing in scrubland and the adjoining forests. 

It prefers an open to exposed sunny position tolerating salt-laden wind and most well drained moderately fertile soils (dislikes wet soil) and is frost tender but drought tolerant. 

Houpara is grown for its glossy foliage and its bushy habit. It is planted in small gardens along borders for screening or as a windbreak. It is also planted in containers or in courtyard planter boxes establishing in 3 to 5 years. It is an ideal plant for a coastal position and is used as a wind break. Under exposed conditions the plant grows more slowly and may become stunted. ID 2829

Note:
This plant may only be available in New Zealand. 

Pseudopanax (soo-doe-PAN-aks) lessonii (les-SON-ee-eye)

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