Botanical name:

Myrsine divaricata

Common name(s):

weeping matipo, weeping mapou

About:

A common bushy shrub that is well-known for its attractive weeping habit. The small, green, and leathery leaves may be notched delicately at the tip, adding to its overall charm. Tiny flowers occur in delightful clusters, featuring pale yellow or vibrant red petals that enhance its visual appeal.

Natural habitat:

Found in subalpine scrub and forests, preferably where the ground is moist.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart and Auckland Islands. Uncommon north of the Waikato.

Height: 6m

Flowering: 

June – November with a yellow or red coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

August - April with pale purple to black fruit.

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

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