Botanical name:

Pomaderris amoena  (Pomaderris ericifolia)

Common name(s):

Tauhinu

About:

Tauhinu is a sprawling perennial shrub that features small and narrow bright green leaves, which contribute to its distinctive appearance. The margins of the leaves are ingeniously rolled under, while the midrib is notably recessed, giving the leaves a unique texture and shape. Additionally, both the leaves and stems of the shrub are covered in fine hairs, adding to its characteristic look. Historically, the early Maori utilised the hard roots of the tauhinu tree to craft large wooden fish hooks, specifically designed for catching big prey such as häpuku, also known as groper. To enhance their durability and effectiveness, these hooks were further strengthened by being hardened through exposure to fire.

Natural habitat:

Usually coastal and lowland open shrub-lands, gum-land scrub and in sand country. Also in rocky headlands, gravel river terraces. Occasionally found well inland in montane situations.

Growing environment:

Sun, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Three Kings, North and South Islands of New Zealand. In the South Island generally scarce reaching its southern limit at Eyrewell Forest, Canterbury. In the North found, south of Auckland & mainly east of main ranges.

Height: 3m

Flowering: 

Mid-September to summer with a white or yellow coloured flower/s

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Difficult. Can be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings and seed but seed is hard to germinate. The best results seem to be from cuttings rooted in untreated sawdust. Once plants are established they grow very well and make an attractive flowering shrub for an open, sunny post. It does best in nutrient-poor, well-drained soil.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though