Botanical name:

Melicytus lanceolatus

Common name(s):

Māhoe-wao, narrow-leaved māhoe

About:

A slender tree with elegantly spreading, open branches that typically grows to a height of 3 to 4 m. It is commonly found in various forests throughout New Zealand. The long, narrow, and leathery bright green leaves exhibit a distinctive saw-edged pattern and gracefully droop from the branches, creating a visually appealing effect. Small, delicate flowers appear in the spring, and are later followed on female trees by clusters of dark purple berries that cling to the branches in profusion. To ensure a well-maintained appearance and good form, regular pruning of the tree is necessary.

Natural habitat:

Wetter, higher elevations in valleys and basins the in the North Island but descending to lowlands on the South Island

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout New Zealand

Height: 4m

Flowering: 

August - January with a purple - yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

October – May with a purple fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bees food, Riparian plantings, Forests & Wetlands.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and can be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings.

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