Botanical name:

Elaeocarpus dentatus

Common name(s):

Hinau

About:

Hinau is a notable canopy tree that typically thrives on sloping ground, and along with its companion species, pokaka (Elaeocarpus hookerianus), it stands as a relative of the olive tree. Hinau produces fruit that is similar to that of the olive, although the fruit itself is slightly smaller in size, and it matures during the late autumn months of May and June. The flowers of the hinau tree are strikingly white and lacy, forming in conspicuous and attractive sprays that enhance the beauty of the landscape around them.

Natural habitat:

Common tree of mainly coastal and lowland forest though occasionally extending into montane forests.

Growing environment:

Frost & Sun tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, and South Island as far South Westland in the west and Christchurch in the east.

Height: 20m

Flowering:

October – February with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December - May(-June) with a small purple olive like fruit.

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easy from fresh fruit - though can be slow (6 months or more) to germinate. Moderately easy in most soils, light and moisture regimes. However, does best in a deep, moist, well mulched soil.

Seed can be collected from the ground or pick from lower branches.

** 4 - 6 weeks cold stratification is recommended