| Puka | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Araliaceae |
| Genus: | Meryta |
| Species: | M. sinclairii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Meryta sinclairii | |
Meryta sinclairii, the puka or pukanui, is a large-leaved evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand that grows to about 8 m tall, with the distinctly tropical appearance typical of the genus. There are about 27 species of Meryta, all small, resinous trees of the subtropical and tropical Pacific Ocean.[2]
Puka occurs naturally on the Three Kings Islands (c. 34°S, 172°W) and the Hen and Chickens Islands (c. 36°S, 175°W) where it occurs in greater abundance in the relatively sheltered valleys, where soils are thick and conditions are relatively moist, rather than on the exposed ridge-tops. However, puka can also grow on cliffs with shallow, stony soils which suggests some tolerance of drought.[3]
- ^ de Lange, P. (2014). "Meryta sinclairii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T34300A62741816. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-2.RLTS.T34300A62741816.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ Flora of New Zealand, URL: Meryta. Retrieved 2 June 2010
- ^ Kelliher et al., 2000, Salmon 1999