Laurelia novae-zelandiae (Pukatea) is a large, stately evergreen tree native to New Zealand, typically found in lowland and coastal forests, especially in damp or swampy areas. It can grow to an impressive height of 20 to 35 meters (65 to 115 feet), with a broad, spreading canopy that may reach 10 to 15 meters (33 to 50 feet) wide. Pukatea is known for its distinctive buttressed roots, which provide stability in wet soils, and its smooth, greyish-brown bark. The glossy, dark green leaves are oval with finely serrated edges, and the tree produces small, fragrant, greenish-white flowers in spring. Pukatea thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained to swampy soils and prefers a sheltered site with partial to full sunlight. While it is frost-tender when young, it becomes more hardy as it matures. This majestic native tree plays an important ecological role in wetland and forest ecosystems and was traditionally valued by Māori for its light, workable timber and medicinal bark.