Biological flora of New Zealand 12: Griselinia lucida, puka, akapuka, akakōpuka, shining broadleaf

Abstract

Information on the biology and ecology of Griselinia lucida (Forst. f.) (Griseliniaceae) available through published and unpublished sources is assembled and reviewed. G. lucida is a large shrub hemiepiphyte that grows primarily in trees of wet, lowland forests and also in open coastal and rocky outcrop habitats. Large, bright green, glossy leaves and grooved terrestrial roots that descend from the canopy make this species a very conspicuous member of New Zealand's endemic flora. G. lucida requires warm climates and high atmospheric moisture and is found throughout the North Island and in a limited area of the South Island. G. lucida is one of two native members of the Griselinia genus which includes five South American species. G. lucida is frequently associated with diverse and abundant epiphyte communities. The conservation and restoration of both epiphytic and terrestrial populations is important to ensure functionally diverse ecosystems and accordingly, it is recommended that this species be included in future forest ecological restoration.