Griselinia lucida

Griselinia lucida
Foliage of Griselinia lucida

Not Threatened (NZ TCS)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Griseliniaceae
Genus: Griselinia
Species:
G. lucida
Binomial name
Griselinia lucida

Griselinia lucida, commonly known as puka, akapuka, and shining broadleaf, is a species of shrub in the family Griseliniaceae. It is endemic to New Zealand. Its range mainly covers the North and South Islands. It typically grows epiphytically: the term 'epiphytically', means it grows on other plants, although it can also be found in coastal and rocky environments. It reaches 10 metres (30 feet) in maximum height. The leaves are large, thick, and glossy, and the roots are grooved and often grow downward until they reach the forest floor.

Griselinia lucida was first described by the German botanist Georg Forster in 1786. It is only one of two Griselinia species found in New Zealand. Pollination is likely achieved by insects or the wind. The fruits are adapted to being dispersed by fruit-eating animals (frugivores), such as birds. Germination requires light and moist conditions. Its 2023 conservation status in the New Zealand Threat Classification System is "Not Threatened".