Matai (Prumnopitys taxifolia)

Family: Podocarpaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Prumnopitys taxifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft 0in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Sap/Syrup

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour. — The fruit is about 10mm in diameter and contains one seed.; The watery sap is drunk or used in the preparation of a beer-like beverage.; It is best from trees that are neither too young nor too old.; Other reports say that the young shoots are made into a beverage resembling spruce beer.

Habitat & North American Range

Lowland forests, North, South and Stewart Islands. (Zone 8)