Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus) – an invasive native?

There are a number of reports of karaka (karo) becoming a major problem in restoration projects. To quote Ken Pratt, caretaker of Ashhurst Domain, Manawatu ”Unless you want a karaka grove don’t plant them, as they seed profusely and eventually take over, especially in a bush area, changing the whole environment quite quickly.” Ken removes close to one thousand seedlings a year. The fruit is problematic as well as the kernel is highly toxic. See this photo of seedlings in Mangaiti Gully before they were weeded out by our volunteers and the parent tree drilled and poisoned.