Botanical name:

Dracophyllum traversii

Common name(s):

Mountain neinei, grass tree, pineapple tree

Plant facts:

A rather architectural tree, it typically grows to about 10 m in height when found in the wild. This tree features long, strap-like leaves that measure approximately 4 to 5 cm in width and may occasionally display a subtle tinge of red along their edges. The leaves are organised into clumps that form at the tips of the branches, creating a visually striking appearance. It is commonly found in the subalpine and montane regions of New Zealand’s two main islands. A well-draining yet adequately moist soil is essential for its growth, and it should never be permitted to dry out completely. Even when its specific environmental needs are fully met, this tree tends to exhibit very slow growth throughout its lifespan.

Natural habitat:

Subalpine and montane heath forest and scrub above 750m

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand: North and South Islands. In the North Island scattered from Waima Forest south to near Taumarunui, East Cape and the southern Central Volcanic Plateau. In the South Island mostly westerly from North West Nelson to Central Otago and eastern Fiordland.

Height: 10m

Flowering:

October–February with a red/pink or green coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December-May

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Difficult. Should not be removed from the wild. Don’t be tempted - take photographs instead! Dracophyllum traversii is occasionally stocked by specialist nurseries (take care though to check the soil surrounding the rootstock to see if the plants on offer have been dug from the wild, as plants dug from the wild often persist for a few months before dying), and if grown from seed such plants may occasionally thrive in cultivation. Does best in a semi-shaded site, planted in a humus enriched, moist (not water logged) soil.

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