Puriri – Vitex lucens

This is an evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand.

Puriri was first collected at Tologa Bay by Banks and Solander during Captain Cook’s first visit to New Zealand in 1769.

The Maori name of this tree is Puriri or sometimes Kauere.

The common name in English is usually Puriri although it is called New Zealand Mahogany and New Zealand teak in older printed sources especially in reference to the timber.

The Puriri tree can grow up to 20m tall with a truck commonly up to 1.5m in diameter, frequently thicker and a broad spreading crown.  The thin bark is usually smooth and light brown in colour but can also be very flaky.

Puriri is one of the few native trees with large colourful flowers.  Many plants in New Zealand have white or green flowers.  They look rather like snap dragon and can range from fluorescent pink to dark red, rose pink (most common) or sometimes even to a white flower with a yellow or pink blush.

Some flowers can be found on the Puriri all year round, though the Puriri tree flowers most heavily over winter.  Ripe fruit can also be found all year round but more heavily over summer.  For this reason it is an important food source for native birds especially in the top of the North Island as it provides a year round food supply.

The Maori used infusions from boiled leaves to bathe sprains and backaches as a remedy for ulcers, especially under the ear, and for sore throats.  The infusion was also used to wash the body of the deceased to help preserve the body.  They are grown in groves and are often Tapu as they are used as in burial sites and Puriri leaves were fashioned in to coronets or carried in the hand during a Tangi.

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