Botanical name:

Hoheria glabrata

Common name(s):

Mountain ribbonwood

About:

A deciduous tree that is primarily found thriving on the western side of the Southern Alps. It boasts attractive pointed, oval-shaped leaves that are serrated and display a vibrant, bright green colour. In summer, the tree produces an abundance of white flowers, which bear a striking resemblance to those of a flowering cherry, creating a stunning visual display. In cultivation, it typically grows to a height of about 2-3 m. This tree prefers and requires plenty of moisture to flourish effectively in its environment.

Natural habitat:

Montane to subalpine. Occupying a wide range of open and disturbed habitats including forest margins and open forest, montane scrub, avalanche trails and slip scars, along river and stream banks, and river fans

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wetland & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

South Island only, where found mainly west of the main divide but extending eastwards into Central Otago, where it overlaps with H. lyallii

Height: 3m

Flowering: 

February - March with a violet/purple or white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

April - July

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Pioneer Plantings.

How to grow:
Best from fresh seed. An extremely attractive species, unusual in the New Zealand flora for its deciduous habit. Prefers a damp soil in a sunny site, and does best in cooler climates. Dislikes humidity and will not flower in warmer climates unless it is subjected to cold treatment.

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