Botanical name:

Melicope simplex

Common name(s):

Poataniwha

About:

Melicope simplex is a unique endemic shrub characterised by its divaricating branches and small, round, leathery leaves. The juvenile stages display significantly smaller leaves, often divided into three leaflets. In contrast, the adult leaves are small, thick, and nearly circular, featuring shallow rounded teeth along their margins. The underside of these leaves showcases visible oil glands, and when crushed, they emit a distinctive aromatic citrus scent.

In spring, Melicope simplex produces greenish-white flower heads, which are subsequently followed by tiny black seed heads. It is important to note that this species can be mistaken for certain small-leaved Coprosma species, such as Coprosma rhamnoides. However, Melicope simplex belongs to the Rutaceae family, which includes citrus plants. Its flowers and dry, wrinkled fruit capsules differ markedly from those of small-leaved Coprosmas, whose fruit resembles a fleshy berry.

Natural habitat:

Found in the margins of coastal and lowland forests (to 600m) on both hillsides and poorer drained flat land. Usually under trees.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Salt, Wind, Coastal, Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout New Zealand

Height: 8m

Flowering: 

Spring with a green or white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

Summer – Autumn with a dry wrinkled capsules for fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Flowers.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

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