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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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 50'
Width/Spread10' - 25'
Bloom Information
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
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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