Pseudopanax lessonii

Taxobox
color = lightgreen
name = Houpara

---

image_width = 240px
image_caption = The leaves have 3 to 5 leaflets
status =

secure
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Apiales
familia = Araliaceae
genus = "Pseudopanax"
species = "P. lessonii"
binomial = "Pseudopanax lessonii"
binomial_authority = (DC.) K.Koch
synonyms = "Panax lessonii" DC.

"Pseudopanax lessonii", or houpara, is a New Zealand native tree belonging to the family Araliaceae. Houpara is a shrub or tree up to 6 m tall, with stout branches. The leaves are crowded towards the tips of branchlets, and are 3- to 5- foliolate. Juvenile plants have larger leaves than adults. The petioles are 5-15 cm long.

Distribution

(38°4′S).

Cultivation

Houpara is popular in New Zealand gardens, but is rare in cultivation elsewhere, requiring mild, moist conditions, without extremes of temperature in winter and summer. A number of cultivars have been developed, including 'Gold Splash' which has yellow variegated leaves, and 'Nigra' which has dark purple-brown foliage.

External links

*"Flora of New Zealand", URL: [http://floraseries.landcareresearch.co.nz/pages/Taxon.aspx?id=_5bea2657-743f-406e-856d-19f309750674&fileName=Flora%201.xml "Pseudopanax lessonii"] . Accessed 16 May 2007.
*"New Zealand Plant Conservation Network", URL: [http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/vascular_plants/detail.asp?PlantID=1228 "Pseudopanax lessonii"] . Accessed 16 May 2007.

References

* Salmon J T, "The Native Trees of New Zealand", AH & AW Reed Ltd, Wellington, New Zealand 1973 ISBN 0-589-01340-8