This is sometimes called ‘the funkiest tree’ in our native bush, with its white flowers in winter that grow directly from the trunk. The flowers provide a nectar source for tūī and korimako (bellbirds) at a time when other food is not as abundant.
Kohekohe leaves 
Kohekohe in flower
In some years, a strong sweet aroma is evident in the Tawa bush reserves. This is produced from the abundant white kohekohe flowers. These develop into large green, then black, golf-ball-like fruit in the following year. They enclose fleshy orange jelly that surround the seeds. Kererū digest the orange jelly and release undigested seeds in their faeces.
Kohekohe flowering June 2021 
Kohekohe flowers Wilf Mexted Reserve 
Kohekohe flower closeup 
Kohekohe fruit with seeds 
Kohekohe fruit with seeds enclosed in orange fleshy jelly 
Two seeds germinating with the young root (radicle) emerging
Kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile) are one of the dominant trees in our Tawa native bush reserves.
There is currently, prolific regeneration of kohekohe seedlings due to the absence of browsing animals such as possums – a tribute to the pest control undertaken by FOTBR over many years.
Article Source: Gil Roper August 2021 FOTBR Newsletter
Friends of Tawa Bush Reserves 