Botanical name:

Halocarpus kirkii 

Common name(s):

Monoao

About:

A rare tree species can be found in specific, localised areas stretching from the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula northward. When cultivated, it typically reaches heights of 6 to 9 meters, showcasing an attractive tapering form that adds beauty to its surroundings. The juvenile leaves, which can persist for many years, consist of slender needles that can grow up to 4 cm long. In contrast, the adult foliage transforms into a more compressed, scale-like appearance. As trees mature, they develop a distinctive greyish-brown bark that peels off in large, impressive flakes. This species can also be somewhat temperamental, requiring a cool root run to thrive. It is known to be slow-growing and sensitive to frost.

Natural habitat: 

A northern species associated with kauri (Agathis australis) forest. In mature kauri forest it is most usually found in apparently even aged cohorts of 10 or less trees along ridge lines, in swampy hollows or at gully heads. This species appears to thrive on disturbance and it is at its most abundant on the margins of kauri and gum-land vegetation sites originating from past fires, gum digging and/or kauri logging.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and Great Barrier Islands, from Te Paki (Radar and Unuwhao Bush) south to near Limestone Downs (south of Port Waikato) in the west and about the southern Kauaeranga Valley in the East.

Height: 9m

Flowering:  

October - December 

Fruiting:

December – November

Uses: 

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

How to grow:

Best from fresh seed but often fickle and even well established plants are prone to sudden collapse. Monoao is a beautiful tree whose mixed juvenile/adult foliage is particularly attractive. In good conditions it can be quite fast growing and usually forms a small bushy tree up to 10 m tall within about as many years.

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