Botanical name:

Dracophyllum sinclairii

Common name(s):

Gumland grass tree

Plant facts:

This particular species is predominantly found in forest areas of the upper North Island. The long, narrow leaves are arranged quite closely together and feature minutely serrated edges that add to their unique texture. In its natural habitat, it typically grows to a height of 3 to 6 m, showcasing its adaptability in the wild.

Natural habitat:

A common species of northern coastal cliffs, shrub lands (especially gumland scrub), and secondary regrowth but it is also known from forested slopes (especially kauri forest), and also colonises, along ridge lines and mountain slopes.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Dracophyllum sinclairii is most common north of Auckland and Thames and in this area it is especially common in gumland scrub and seral vegetation.

Height: 6m

Flowering:

January – November with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

March – August

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Forests

How to grow:

Difficult - should not be removed from the wild. Can be grown from seed.

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