Botanical name:

Macrolearia colensoi (Olearia colensoi)

Common name(s):

Tupare, leatherwood

About:

M. colensoi, commonly known as tūpare (derived from the Māori term tūpare) or leatherwood, is a distinctive sub-alpine shrub that is endemic to the diverse landscapes of New Zealand. This remarkable plant has the potential to grow into a tree that can reach heights of up to 10 m and features thick, serrated leaves that are quite striking. The bark of the tūpare is a light brown coloration and has a papery texture, with branches that are typically covered in soft, woolly hairs. The flowers of this shrub are typically found in shades of dark red or vibrant yellow, adding to its overall beauty and appeal.

Natural habitat:

Subalpine areas or sea level in far south of New Zealand.

Growing environment:

Shade, Wind, Salt, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island (in the eastern and southern axial ranges), Marlborough Sound (Mt Stokes), otherwise western South Island, Rakiura / Stewart Island and some of the adjacent smaller islands.

Height: 10m

Flowering: 

November – January with a mauve or yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December – February

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed and cuttings but very difficult to maintain in cultivation.

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

** Seed can be slow to germinate, taking 9 – 12 months, often with a low germination rate.