Botanical name:

Melicytus chathamicus

Common name(s):

Inihina, hakina, hinahina, Chatham Island mahoe

About:

Native to the Chatham Islands, this plant thrives in its unique environment. If regularly pruned, it forms a well-organised and neat shrub that typically grows to a height of about 2 to 3 m. The pointed oval leaves are notably leathery and feature shallowly serrated edges, giving them a distinct texture. In spring, the very small mauvish white flowers emerge gracefully from the branches, adding a delicate touch to its overall appearance.

Natural habitat:

Widespread common tree of coastal forest. Also prominent on limestone outcrops around Te Whanga. Also common on coastal scrub on some of the smaller islands of the Chatham group. Melicytus chathamicus appears to prefer fertile soils it is scarce on the deeper forest peat soils of the southern tablelands.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Chatham Islands. Rekohu (Chatham), Rangihaute (Pitt), Wharekaikite (Rabbit), Mang’ere, Tapuaenuku, and Hokorereoro (South East) Islands.

Height: 3m

Flowering: 

Spring with a green or yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

September – April with a purple fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bees food & Forests & Pioneer Plantings.

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed. Can be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings but generally slow without a mist unit. Grows best in moist soils in cool areas.

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