Hutu (tree) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hutu (tree) |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ascarina
|
| Species: |
lucida
|
The Ascarina lucida, often called hutu, is a small tree. It belongs to the Chloranthaceae plant family. This special tree is found only in New Zealand. It is common in the West Coast and Nelson areas of the South Island. You can also find it, though less often, in the North Island.
Hutu trees usually grow up to 6 meters tall. Their trunks can be as wide as 30 centimeters. The leaves are simple and grow in pairs. They are yellowish-green and have a raised line down the middle. The edges of the leaves have dark, pointy teeth. The hutu tree is now almost gone from the Taranaki region. It was last seen there in 1969.
About the Hutu Tree
The hutu tree is unique because it is the only type of Ascarina plant found in New Zealand. Most plants in its wider family have separate male and female plants. But the hutu tree has both male and female flowers on the same plant. This means one hutu tree can make seeds by itself.
Hutu trees often grow in forests with podocarp and broadleaf trees. Other plants that grow near hutu include Blechnum discolor, Pseudowintera colorata, Pseudopanax colensoi, and Coprosma lucida.
What Hutu Needs to Survive
The places where hutu trees grow tell us a lot about what they need. They do not seem to handle very cold frosts or long dry periods well. Scientists have tested young hutu plants to see how they react to different weather.
Hutu trees do not like dry conditions. They are similar to Coprosma grandifolia, which also struggles in droughts. However, hutu seedlings can handle very wet soil quite well. But if the soil stays waterlogged for too long, their roots do not grow as strong.
Frost is a big problem for hutu. Even a light frost of -2°C can kill young hutu plants. This is true for plants from both lowlands and mountain areas. So, hutu trees grow best in warm, wet places. Also, they often grow in areas that have been disturbed, like after a storm. This suggests that how often an area is disturbed also helps hutu trees grow and spread.
