Botanical name:

Melicytus macrophyllus

Common name(s):

Large-leaved māhoe

About:

Very similar to M. ramiflorus, this species is distinguished by its limited natural distribution, primarily found in lowland forests extending from North Auckland to Waikato. Its leaves exhibit a more leathery texture, and they are notably longer and broader compared to those of whiteywood. This shrub typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 m, making it a prominent feature in its native habitat.

Natural habitat:

A small tree of coastal, lowland, and lower montane forests.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island from near Kaitaia south to the Waitakere Ranges in the west and Mt William (near Bombay) in the east. Reports of the species from near Dunedin are based on mislabelled herbarium specimens.

Height: 3m

Flowering: 

November – February with a yellowish coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

November – March with a purple fruit.

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh and semi-hardwood cuttings. An attractive shrub to small-tree which is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and light levels. Does best when planted under taller trees.

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