Have you notice a small, crooked tree growing on the edge of Karura forest and alongside the paths? Last month it was covered in white flowers and now, in March, bright orange berries hang from its branches.

This is the Forest Stamperwood, also known as Murembu.  Though rather small, crooked and humble-looking, it plays an important role in the forest ecosystem.  It's a ‘pioneer’ tree, often the first to recolonise areas of forest that have been disturbed (Karura’s paths and carparks!). Its spreading crown provides shade and creates an inviting habitat for wildlife that helps start the process of restoration back to forest again.

The Stamperwood’s small, sweet-smelling flowers that grow in bunches - its scientific name cymosa comes from the Latin word cyma meaning cluster. These flowers are an important source of food for bees and butterflies. Later, it's berries provide food for birds and monkeys.  And the tree is useful to humans too!  Experts use its bark, roots and leaves in traditional medicines.

A humble tree with a vital role in the ecosystem.  That's the Forest Stamperwood.