Taraire

Beilschmiedia is a large genus with about 300 species in tropical and subtropical regions in Africa, Central and South America, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.
 

Taraire expresses its subtropical affiliation by only occurring naturally in the upper 1/3 of the North Island.

Mature trees grow over 20 m tall and their leaves are thick and leathery, dark green above the greyish blue below.

Small green bisexual flowers occur in tight bunches from September to December. They have no petals.  Large plum like fruits up to 4 cm long are formed in late summer.  They are a favourite food of native pigeons.

The flesh of ripe fruit plus the specially prepared kernels were eaten by Maori.  The flesh is described as having an acquired taste and the kernels, either steamed or roasted, are said to be quite palatable and satisfying.

Taraire belongs in the laurel family (Lauraceae) which also contains the bay laurel, avocado, cinnamon and camphor trees. 

Photography by Neil Davies (leaves, above right) © and Warren Brewer (below, flowers left, fruit right).