Botanical name:

Hoheria populnea 

Common name(s):

Lacebark or houhere

About:

A soft-wooded tree, characterised by a grey trunk, is known for bearing leathery, toothed leaves along with large, striking white flowers that eventually develop into a winged, dry fruit. This particular tree species predominantly inhabits the northern regions of New Zealand's North Island. The leaves notably measure between 7 to 14 cm in length and 4 to 6 cm in width, being widest at their base. In contrast, the juvenile plants exhibit zigzagging branches which bear much smaller leaves, typically ranging from 1 to 3 cm long, and feature deep gaps between their numerous teeth. Interestingly, when other food sources become scarce, wood pigeons have been observed to feed on the tender small tips of these leaves.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane usually in Kauri (Agathis australis) forest but also in successional forest associated with kauri. Also common in pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) dominated coastal forest.

Growing environment:

Frost & drought & shade resistant, Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North Island only from North Cape (Pararaki Stream) south to the northern Waikato and Coromandel. However widely planted and often found naturalising throughout the southern North Island, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands.

Height: 6m

Flowering:

January – March with White flowers

Fruiting:

April - June

Uses:

Bird attractant, Bee food, Hedging, Riparian plantings & shelter belts

How to grow:

Grown easy from fresh seed, and often seedlings can be found in the vicinity of garden plants. Specimens tend to be short-lived and they often suffer from Hoheria Die back - a syndrome which kills portions of the tree and has no cure. An excellent fast-growing tree suitable as a wind break and as temporary shelter because it is so short-lived.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed up and even out germination time.