Paratrophis spp.

New Zealand Milk Tree

New Zealand and southwest Pacific islands

SunPart Shade – Full Sun

HardinessZones 9–10

Overview

Paratrophis spp. is a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs in the mulberry family, Moraceae, native to New Zealand and islands of the southwest Pacific; several species are now also placed in Streblus spp.. The plants range from shrubs to trees 15 to 50 feet (4.5 to 15 m) tall, with rough bark and milky sap in the stems. The alternate leaves are 0.8 to 3 inches (2 to 8 cm) long, oval to oblong, with toothed or smooth margins and a leathery texture; some species pass through a tangled, small-leaved juvenile stage before maturing. The plants are dioecious, with separate male and female trees: small greenish flowers without petals form in short spikes or clusters, the males shedding wind-borne pollen and the females developing into small fleshy fruits that ripen orange to red. The genus grows in lowland and coastal forest on moist, fertile, well-drained soil in part shade to full sun. Plants are sensitive to hard frost and to prolonged drought when young. Because male and female flowers occur on separate trees, fruit sets only where both are present. The leaves of some species are browsed by stock, and native birds feed on the ripe fruit.

Native Range

Paratrophis spp. is native to New Zealand and several southwest Pacific islands, where the trees grow in lowland, coastal, and riverine forest. They occur on moist, fertile, well-drained soils in mild climates.

Suggested Uses

Paratrophis spp. is grown in native and woodland gardens, in coastal plantings, and as informal screening or hedging in mild climates. Female trees supply fruit that feeds native birds. It is used in restoration plantings within its home range.

How to Identify

Look for evergreen shrubs or trees with rough bark, milky sap, and leathery oval to oblong leaves 0.8 to 3 inches (2 to 8 cm) long. Small greenish petalless flowers form in short spikes or clusters, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Female trees bear small fleshy fruits ripening orange to red, and some species show a tangled small-leaved juvenile form.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 50'

Width/Spread10' - 25'

Colors

Flower Colors

green

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs mainly in spring and early summer, with small greenish wind-pollinated flowers that are easy to overlook. Male and female flowers form on separate trees. On female plants, small fleshy fruits develop over summer and ripen orange to red into autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Sun

Requires 3-8 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

5-10 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Paratrophis spp. grows in part shade to full sun on moist, fertile, well-drained soil and suits mild, frost-free or lightly frosted climates. Young plants are sensitive to hard frost and drought, so a sheltered, evenly moist position helps them establish. Once settled, the trees need little care beyond occasional watering in long dry spells. Both male and female trees are needed for fruit to set, so groups are planted where berries are wanted for birds. A mulch over the roots conserves moisture and suppresses weeds.

Pruning

Little pruning is required beyond removing dead or crossing branches in late winter. Shrubby species tolerate trimming and can be shaped or kept as informal hedging. The milky sap bleeds from fresh cuts, so pruning is done in cool, dry weather to limit it.