Aristotelia serrata

Aristotelia serrata

Aristotelia serrata ( wineberry in New Zealand or Maori Makomako ) is a New Zealand wood.

Occurrence

The plant is endemic to New Zealand and get there before on both main islands and Stewart Iceland.

It is found in forests and woods from lowlands to mountains. It prefers a moist, but well drained soil in a sunny or semi -shaded location with acidic to neutral pH. The plant is common, especially on forest edges and damp riverbanks. In New Zealand it is a pioneer plant on wasteland and clearcuts

Description

The shrub or small tree can reach a height of 7.5-9 m. The long-stalked leaves are broad, reddish on the bottom and 5-12 cm long. The flower appears in May and is colored red and white. The plant is dioecious and is pollinated by insects. The black berries are 6-9 mm in size.

The plant is sensitive to frost and throws in colder climates in winter, a portion of the leaves from.

Use

The berries of the tree are edible. The plant should be suitable as a medicinal plant to treat rheumatism, eye diseases and for envelopes

The wood can be used in joinery, woodturning and other woodwork as well as for the production of charcoal.

From the berries, a blue-black dye can be extracted.