Whauwhaupaku

Whauwhaupaku is one of the most common plants in New Zealand.

It looks like a small green tree with big leaves that have toothed edges and look like fingers around a central stalk. It produces clusters of purple flowers with purple black berries that ripen in the summer.

The whauwhaupaku has up to 7 leaves though it is also known as the five finger plant.

The whauwhaupaku is unique to New Zealand because it is native and realises pain and helps our heart.

Threats to whauwhaupaku are introduced pests like possums. They chew the bottom end of the stalk then the plant dies!

By Ava and Abulfazl