Plant ID, Seen North of Auckland, New Zealand

Photographed by an American gone walkabout on holidays, this unusual shrub? tree? seems to be a bit of a puzzle to identify

A native plant in a seashore location

http://koishack.com/forums/uploads/monthly_02_2008/post-436-1203526893.jpg

Regards, andy
http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l42/adavisus/

This message was edited Feb 20, 2008 2:16 PM

adavisus,

That strange tree is probably the juvenile stage of the Toothed Lancewood or Horoeka, (Pseudopanax ferox): http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/89886/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudopanax_ferox

Kennedy

Many thanks, That is one seriously weird sapling

Regards, andy
http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l42/adavisus/

That is one of my most favourite native trees. In its juvenile form it is so statuesque, and like most younguns it really makes a statement
. I used to have a few of them in my garden but alas they all grew up. As an adult they tend to blend in with the rest of the bush. The trunk is bare up to 15ft or more with arounded bushy head with smallish leaves. When they got fairly tall I planted other natives next to them so they'd have company. I loved your pic. Lesley