Botanical name:

Myoporum laetum

Common name(s):

Ngaio

About:

An attractive tree characterised by its bright green leaves, stout and spreading branches, and glossy fleshy foliage, Ngaio usually occurs not far from coastal areas. It serves as an excellent choice for a dense, fast-growing shelter and revegetation tree, making it suitable for a wide variety of positions, including those exposed coastal sites where other plants may struggle to thrive. While it is known to be poisonous to livestock, it is highly beneficial, being very attractive to bees and wood pigeons, adding to the biodiversity of the surrounding environment.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland forest, sometimes well inland such as in Hawkes Bay, Rangataiki and Wairarapa. Often uncommon over large parts of its range.

Growing environment:

Sun, Salt, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Three Kings, North and South Islands. Also on the Chatham Islands where scarce and probably naturalised.

Height: 10m

Flowering:

October – January with a white, purple spotted flower/s

Fruiting:

December – June with a pink fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant & Bee food.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and semi hardwood cuttings.

** 4 – 6 weeks cold stratification is recommended