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Also known as Mountain Pepper Tree, this evergreen busy shrub or small tree is found in upland forests throughout many of New Zealand’s mountainous regions except the far north and south. It is easily recognised by its red-blotched leaves with a blue-grey underside, which are aromatic when crushed. A slow growing plant, it is frost tender and has quite particular growing requirements but is well worth the effort.
SMALL GRADES ONLY – PB3 plant height 15 – 25cm
Photos: Kahikatea Farm
Grows in sun or semi-shade in rich, fertile, slightly acidic soil. The leaf colour will be more dramatic in sunnier site but plants will require watering during dry spells. Either way try not to let the soil dry out at all, but also ensure it is never waterlogged. Protect plants well from frost and harsh winds.
Horopito has a long history of use in rongoā. It contains strong antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and digestive properties thanks to its active compounds – volatile oils including eugenol, polygodial, and bicydic sesquiterpenoid dialdehyde. It has been used to treat diseases such as ringworm, thrush/candida, skin infections and wounds, as well as settling stomach aches and indigestion. It can help increase blood flow to damaged tissue – try infusing massage oil with horopito leaves and warming it to release the properties. It is also an expectorant and can be used in steam inhalations.
N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.
Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.
Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.
Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.
Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.
We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.
Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.
