Corynocarpus laevigatus

Corynocarpus laevigatus, commonly known as karaka or the New Zealand laurel, is an evergreen tree in the family Corynocarpaceae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is common throughout the North Island and less common in the South Island. C. laevigatus individuals are also found on the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, and the Three Kings Islands. C. laevigatus is mainly a coastal tree, although in the North Island, it is also found inland. Corynocarpus laevigatus was first described in 1776 by the German naturalists Georg and Johann Reinhold Forster. C. laevigatus grows to heights of up to 15–20 metres (50–70 feet) and has a trunk of up to 60 centimetres (20 inches) in diameter. Its leaves are leathery, dark to bright green in colour and up to 15–30 cm (6–10 in) long. C. laevigatus produces large oval-shaped orange-coloured fruits. C. laevigatus seeds are highly toxic to humans and contain poisonous toxins and other glucosides. The fruits are a valuable food source for the kererū and t......read more on Wikipedia.