Pepper Tree (Horopito)

Horopito (latin name: Pseudowintera colorata) is the second New Zealand native species to be known as Pepper Tree. Horopito looks completely different from the other 'pepper tree'. It has elliptical shaped light green leaves that are often spotted with black or red dots. Both juvenile and mature foliage can also be a reddish colour, sometimes green foliage can also be red around the edges.

The flowers of Horopito are small, white, and have five slim petals. Flower buds are pale green.

There is also a difference between this 'pepper tree' and Kawakawa in the way that they can be used medicinally. The leaves of this plant (Horopito) were either chewed or made into a tea which  was used by Māori to cure diarrhea. Again the leaves of this plant are harmless and if eaten taste hot like pepper.

Picture credit (in order): biobalance.co.nz, southernalpsphotography.com