Pseudopanax
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![]() Pseudopanax lessonii
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Pseudopanax is a small genus of 12-20 species of evergreen plants, the majority of which are endemic to New Zealand, although they also occur in Tasmania (Australia) and parts of South America. Pseudopanax occur in forest or scrub environments. The genus contains some remarkable small trees with distinctly different juvenile and adult forms, such as Pseudopanax crassifolius and Pseudopanax ferox (commonly referred to as 'lancewood' and 'toothed lancewood', respectively). They are rare in cultivation, requiring cool, moist conditions similar to those in New Zealand, without extremes of temperature in winter and summer. They reportedly grow well in southern California and warmer parts of Great Britain.
Pseudopanax arboreus (common name "Five-finger") is a very common small tree in New Zealand bush, whilst Pseudopanax edgerleyi (Māori name "Raukawa") was used by the Māori to produce scented oil.
A number of cultivars have been developed, mostly of Pseudopanax lessonii. These include 'Gold Splash' which has yellow variegated leaves, and 'Nigra' which has dark purple-brown foliage.
There are also two species endemic to Southern Chile and Argentina, Pseudopanax laetevirens and Pseudopanax valdiviensis, both woody vines from Valdivian temperate rain forests.