Foliage -Pigeonwood is a tree reaching 15 m in height with dark green leathery, oblong leaves with faintly serrated edges. The stem is flattened where the opposite leaves are attached (nodes). Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. Found on the Three Kings Islands, throughout the North Island and on the South Island to Banks Peninsula.
(photo, Larry Jensen)

Male flower - A male flower contains up to 30 stamens on a 1 cm diameter cup-like receptacle surrounded by 5-7 green tepals.
(photo, Larry Jensen)

Sectional view of a male flower - The stamens are unusual in that the pollen-containing anthers only have a minute stalk (filament) so that the anthers appear to be sitting directly on the base of the flower. (photo, Larry Jensen)

Female flower - Female flowers contain up to 20 distinct green carpels each with an irregular conical shape attached to a smaller, 6 mm wide cup.
(photo, John Braggins)

Sectional view of female flower - The upper portion of carpels is somewhat flattened with an irregular lumpy surface which serves as a stigma. (photo, Larry Jensen)

Fruit - After pollination, each female flower forms several fleshy fruits (drupes) which are a favorite food of the native pigeon, the kereru. (photo, John Braggins)