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Story: Tall broadleaf trees

Pukatea buttresses and leaves

Pukatea buttresses and leaves

A distinctive feature of pukatea (Laurelia novae-zelandiae) is its plank buttresses. These narrow growths – common among tropical trees – spread out from the bottom of its trunk and provide support for the tree in swampy ground. Pukatea has dark green, toothed leaves, arranged in opposite pairs on angled twigs.

About this item

Private collection
Photographs by Maggy Wassilieff; Jeremy Rolfe (inset)

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff. 'Tall broadleaf trees', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 1-Mar-09
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/tall-broadleaf-trees/5/3