Coriaria arborea
Coriaria arborea Linds.
Coriaria arborea, known as tutu or tree tutu, is a shrub or small tree in the Coriariaceae family. Endemic to New Zealand, it is found in the North and South Islands, as well as on the Chatham and Kermadec Islands. The plant is toxic, with all parts except the fruit juice containing the neurotoxin tutin, which can cause severe illness or death in humans and livestock. It grows up to 7 metres tall and is capable of colonizing moist areas such as debris fans, glacial moraine, and stream banks.
Description
Coriaria arborea is a member of the Coriariaceae family and is native to New Zealand. It is a bushy shrub or small tree that can reach heights of 7 metres. The plant is highly toxic, as all parts except the fruit juice contain the toxin tutin. This toxin can lead to symptoms such as brain paralysis, convulsions, exhaustion, and memory loss in humans and animals. C. arborea is often found in moist environments, including debris fans, glacial moraine, and stream banks, where it can establish new colonies. It was first described in 1868 by Linds.
Distribution
Global · Chatham Is. · Kermadec Is. · New Zealand North · New Zealand South