Puahou (Pseudopanax arboreus)

Family: Araliaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Pseudopanax arboreus is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 4 m (13ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is in leaf all year, in flower in July. 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). . The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves. The same report then goes on to say that the leaves are much too bitter to be edible. — The same report then goes on to say that the leaves are much too bitter to be edible.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests and open scrub from sea-level to 760 metres from North Cape to Southland. (Zone 9)