Description
Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as taraire, is a tall, evergreen tree native to northern New Zealand, reaching up to 22 meters in height. It thrives in lowland forests, often forming dense stands. The tree features large, leathery, dark green leaves with a distinctive whitish underside. In spring, it produces small, inconspicuous flowers, followed by large, dark purple, plum-like fruits that are an important food source for native birds such as kererū. Beilschmiedia tarairi is a member of the laurel family and prefers warm, frost-free environments. It plays a crucial role in forest regeneration and ecosystem stability.
