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Hedycarya spp.
pigeonwood
Australasia and the southwest Pacific
Overview
Hedycarya spp. is a genus of about 25 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Monimiaceae, found through Australasia and the southwest Pacific. Plants typically reach 10-50 feet (3-15 m) with opposite, leathery, often toothed leaves that are dark green and glossy above. The genus is dioecious, with male and female flowers borne on separate plants; the flowers are small, cup-shaped, and greenish-yellow to cream, carried in short clusters. Female plants ripen tight clusters of fleshy drupes that turn orange to red, each about 0.4-0.6 inch (1-1.5 cm) long, and are eaten and spread by forest birds. The New Zealand species H. arborea, known as pigeonwood, grows as a rainforest understory tree. Members of the genus grow in moist, sheltered forest and are sensitive to frost and drying wind. Because the sexes are separate, both male and female plants are needed for the trees to set fruit.
Native Range
Native to Australasia and the southwest Pacific, including eastern Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, New Caledonia, and nearby island groups. Plants grow in lowland to montane rainforest, usually in the moist, shaded understory.Suggested Uses
Grown as an understory or shade tree in sheltered, frost-free gardens, spaced 10-20 feet (3-6 m) apart. The orange to red drupes on female plants draw fruit-eating birds. Plants also screen and fill shaded, moist corners.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 50'
Width/Spread8' - 20'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly in spring. The small greenish flowers are easy to overlook, and male and female blooms appear on different plants. Female trees follow with orange to red drupes that ripen through summer and autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
greenish-yellow to creamFoliage Description
dark glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight