AKAMA.
Akama rosaefolia: Makamaka (Maori).
BOTANICAL NAME: Ackama rosaefolia. Common name, Makamaka, which is the Maori name. A small tree or shrub belonging to the family Cunoniaceae. Light green pinnate leaves have 3-5 pairs of leaflets with a single terminal leaflet. The underside of the leaves, stems and new growth has a reddish tinge. Tiny cream flowers in panicles cover the tree in Spring and are followed by clouds of pinkish red seed capsules. Photographs taken on Mount Parihaka in Whangarei
BRACHYGLOTIS.
Brachyglotis repanda: Rangiora (Maori) - Bushman's Friend.
BOTANICAL NAME: Brachyglottis repanda: Common Names - Rangiora (Maori), Bushman's Friend. A small tree or tall shrub, it is native to New Zealand. It grows to a height of 5 to 7 metres. The larger leaves with a soft furry underside have been referred to as Bushman's friend. Other common names in Māori include kōuaha, pukapuka, pukariao, puke-rangiora, raurākau, raurēkau, whārangi, or whārangi-tawhito. Māori used the plant for a number of medicinal uses. The leaves were used for wounds and old ulcerated sores, and the gum was chewed for foul breath but was poisonous if swallowed. It became known to early settlers as Bushman's Friend, as the bushmen used it as note paper and toilet paper. Photographs taken in the Subtropical Quarry Gardens, Russell Road, Whangarei.
COPROSMA.
Coprosmas have been cultivated and are grown as border plants and ground covers all over the world. Variegated forms have become very popular for rock gardens and around water areas. There are about 45 species native to New Zealand. Small leaf species are difficult to tell apart for the home gardener. These include Coprosma rigida; C. rugosa; C. propinqua; C. virescens and C. acerosa.
Coprosma crassifolia.
BOTANICAL NAME: Coprosma crassifolia is a forest shrub native to New Zealand, found from the coast up to approximately 600 metres in both the North Island and South Island. C. crassifolia is an erect shrub growing up to 4 metres high with a tangle of red-brown branches, and leaves that are round, stiff and remotely spaced. The berry is translucent and holds a white seed within. Photographs were taken on the Hatea River Track.
Coprosma kirkii.
BOTANICAL NAME : Coprosma kirkii. A small leaved semi prostrate form that is used for ground cover and border planting. It forms a small bush that covers the ground, but at the same time sends out upright, semi-weeping branches, almost like rwo forms in the one plant. The photograph above shows the more upright branches and the ground hugging growth covering the ground. C. kirkii grows very well in Northland. Photograph taken at the corner of Rust Avenue and Western Hills Drive, Whangarei.
There is a very attractive variegated form.
There is a very attractive variegated form.
Coprosma repens: Taupata (Maori).
BOTANICAL NAME: Coprosma repens. Common Name, Taupata, which is the Maori name. C. repens form can vary, from a prostrate form to an upright, slightly weeping form. The prostrate form has been cultivated as a ground cover, and there is a variegated foliage form available to the hime gardener (see below). The shrub is found in coastal areas from the Three Kings Islands to the northern part of the South Island. The foliage is glossy, broad and rounded at the tip. and the flowers small. Male and female flowers are on separate trees. Pollination is by wind. Crowded flowers on short branches in male shrubs. The berries are orange/red.
Photographs taken in Cafler Park, Whangarei, in October 2013.
Photographs taken in Cafler Park, Whangarei, in October 2013.
Images Of Coprosma repens.
Coprosma repens variegata: Variegated NZ Mirror Bush.
Coprosma robusta: Karamu (Maori).
BOTANICAL NAME: Coprosma robusta, more commonly known as karamu, the Maori name, is the name given to the shrub or small tree that is one of 45 Coprosma species found in New Zealand. Coprosmas are identified by the domatia, which are tiny holes at the junction of the veins
on the underside of the leaf.
C. robusta is very similar to C. lucida. It is found in lowland forest or shrub throughout New Zealand and almost to the south of the South Island. It has dark green shiny leaves, hence the common name Mirror Bush. The tree can grow up to 6m tall. The berries begin as small sherical clusters, then become orange, 8-9mm long and can take up to a year to ripen. It is a handy border plant that grows very well in Northland.
on the underside of the leaf.
C. robusta is very similar to C. lucida. It is found in lowland forest or shrub throughout New Zealand and almost to the south of the South Island. It has dark green shiny leaves, hence the common name Mirror Bush. The tree can grow up to 6m tall. The berries begin as small sherical clusters, then become orange, 8-9mm long and can take up to a year to ripen. It is a handy border plant that grows very well in Northland.
Coprosma lucida: Karamu.
BOTANICAL NAME: Coprosma lucida, commonly known in Māori as karamū, is a shrub native to New Zealand. The shrub is found throughout the North and South Island. C. lucida has stipules that narrow to a small green point, while the similar
Coprosma repens hybrids.
Entelea arborescens: Corkwood - NZ Mulberry - Whau (Maori)
BOTANICAL NAME: Entelea arborescens or whau is a species of the family Malvaceae, and is the only species in the genus Entelea. A shrub or small tree up to 6 m with large leaves that have a tropical appearance. Whau grows in low forest along the coast of the North Island and the northern tip of the South Island. The dry fruit capsules are very distinctly brown and covered with spines. The most commonly used name Whau, the Māori name. Alternate names include 'New Zealand mulberry',
'corkwood' and 'evergreen lime'. Photographs show Whau flowering in September, with the previous year's seed capsules showing, looking like miniature kina.
'corkwood' and 'evergreen lime'. Photographs show Whau flowering in September, with the previous year's seed capsules showing, looking like miniature kina.
GRISELINIA.
Griselinia litteralis: Kapuka (Maori) - New Zealand Broadleaf.
BOTANICAL NAME : Griselinia littoralis, common name - Kapuka or New Zealand broadleaf. A fast-growing small to medium evergreen tree generally 4–8 m (13–26 ft) particularly in coastal exposure. It is native to New Zealand and is widely grown as a border or hedge plant.
The leaves leathery, glossy green above, paler and matt below, oval with a smooth margin. The flowers appear in spring, but are somewhat inconspicuous and so it is mainly grown as a foliage plant. A cultivar, G. littoralis variegata is a variegated form cultivated for home garden planting. It won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Does very well in Northland.
These photographs were taken in Regent, Whangarei.
The leaves leathery, glossy green above, paler and matt below, oval with a smooth margin. The flowers appear in spring, but are somewhat inconspicuous and so it is mainly grown as a foliage plant. A cultivar, G. littoralis variegata is a variegated form cultivated for home garden planting. It won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Does very well in Northland.
These photographs were taken in Regent, Whangarei.
Griselinia littoralis variegate: Variegated NZ Broadleaf.
Griselinia lucida: Puka - Akapuka - Shining Broadleaf.
BOTANICAL NAME: Griselinia lucidai. Common Names: Puka, Akapuka, Shining Broadleaf. A shrub that grows up to 8 metres tall, bushy, but usually commences life as an epiphyte on large trees like Rimu, then sends an aerial root towards the ground, eventually gaining hold. It grows in the North Island and Coastal South island. it flowers in spring, the flower spikes are produced from the leaf axis. fruits are about 8mm long, turning dark purplish black when ripe.
Now grown commercially in preference to G littoralis, although G. litteralis is still preferred as a hedge plant. Photographs taken in the Regent New World border.
Now grown commercially in preference to G littoralis, although G. litteralis is still preferred as a hedge plant. Photographs taken in the Regent New World border.
HOUHERIA.
Houheria populnea : Lacebark - Houhere (Maori).
BOTANICAL NAME : Hoheria populnea. The Common Name is Lacebark. Houhere is the Maori name from which the genus was named. H. populnea is a very fast growing native tree found naturally in lowland forests of the northern North Island, so it is particularly suited to border planting in the home garden in the Northland region. H. populnea has oval pointed leaves with serrated edges and abundant white scented
flowers in late Summer into Autumn.
Pictures shoe H. populnea growing in the Waiarohea Reserve, Whangarei.
BELOW: Fruit, April 2005.
flowers in late Summer into Autumn.
Pictures shoe H. populnea growing in the Waiarohea Reserve, Whangarei.
BELOW: Fruit, April 2005.
Houheria sexstylosa 'Purple Wave': Hybrid Houheria
BOTANICAL NAME: Hoheria sexsylosa 'Purple Lace' & 'Purple Wave'. Fast growing New Zealand native small trees to around 4-5m, with purple colour on underside of leaves. Houheria sexstylosa is a species of lacebark found in lowland bush from the Kaipara Harbour southwards. It has been cultivated due to the purple underside of the foliage. It grows to about 8 metres in its natural environment. Photographs taken in the Waiarohia Reserve, Whangarei.
BELOW - Fruit : April 2005
BELOW - Fruit : April 2005
LEPTOSPERMUM.
Leptospermun scoparium: Tea Tree - Manuka (Maori).
BOTANICAL NAME: Leptospermum scoparium. Common Names, Tea Tree, Manuka, Kahikatoa (Maori). One of the most common and possibly the best known trees in the New Zealand bush. It is found throughout the three main islands, and offshore islands, from sea level to about 1400 m. The bark of L. scoparium is shed in long stripe. Unlike its near look-alike, the Kanuka, flowers are produced singly from the leaf axis, and Mānuka leaves are prickly, while kānuka leaves are soft. Manuka flowers in spring, its white flowers looking like snow on the foliage. the red wood is very hard, and was used by settlers for axe handles. Naturan sports of pink and red have been found and bred for cultivation. In early days sailors would brew the leaves for a tea-like drink, hence the name tea tree. It was also used by Captain Cook to prevent his crew from getting scurvy. In Northland, L. scoparium is sometimes known as Kahikatoa.
Pictures taken below the Whangarei Falls on the Hatea River Walk. It is a prolific scrub-type tree and is often one of the first species to regenerate on cleared land. It is typically a shrub growing to 2–5 m (7–16 ft) tall, but can grow into a moderately sized tree, up to 15 m (49 ft) or so in height. It is evergreen, with dense branching and small leaves 7–20 mm long and 2–6 mm broad, with a short spine tip. The flowers are white, occasionally pink, 8–15 mm (rarely up to 25 mm) in diameter, with five petals.
Pictures taken below the Whangarei Falls on the Hatea River Walk. It is a prolific scrub-type tree and is often one of the first species to regenerate on cleared land. It is typically a shrub growing to 2–5 m (7–16 ft) tall, but can grow into a moderately sized tree, up to 15 m (49 ft) or so in height. It is evergreen, with dense branching and small leaves 7–20 mm long and 2–6 mm broad, with a short spine tip. The flowers are white, occasionally pink, 8–15 mm (rarely up to 25 mm) in diameter, with five petals.
MACROPIPER.
Macropiper excelsum: Kawakawa (Maori) - NZ Pepper Tree.
BOTANICAL NAME: Macropiper excelsum. Common name, Kawakawa which is the Maori name. M excelsum is a small tree of which is related to the kava plant. M. excelsum is native to New Zealand and is found throughout the North Island, and as far south as Okarito on the West Coast and Banks Peninsula in the South Island. The leaves are often covered with insect holes which can put some home gardeners off this plant, but a spraying programme will give you a very attractive foliage shrub or small tree.
It has special importance to Maori as a medicinal plant. An infusion is made from the leaves or roots, and used for bladder problems, boils, bruises, to relieve pain or toothache, or as a general tonic. The sweet edible yellow berries were eaten as a diuretic. A liqueur is made from the leaves and exported to the UK, Japan, Australia & Fiji, so it may have some effects similar to its close relative, Kava. It is also related to the Black Pepper. Hosts on a marae, and at tangi (funerals), wave leaves of kawakawa when welcomlng guests. At a tangi hosts and guests may wear wreaths of kawakawa on the head as a sign of mourning.
It has special importance to Maori as a medicinal plant. An infusion is made from the leaves or roots, and used for bladder problems, boils, bruises, to relieve pain or toothache, or as a general tonic. The sweet edible yellow berries were eaten as a diuretic. A liqueur is made from the leaves and exported to the UK, Japan, Australia & Fiji, so it may have some effects similar to its close relative, Kava. It is also related to the Black Pepper. Hosts on a marae, and at tangi (funerals), wave leaves of kawakawa when welcomlng guests. At a tangi hosts and guests may wear wreaths of kawakawa on the head as a sign of mourning.
MELICYTUS.
Melicytus ramiflorus: Whiteywood - Mahoe.
BOTANICAL NAME: Melicytus ramiflorus. Common name, Whiteywood. Maori Name Mahoe. A
small tree of the family Violaceae, native to New Zealand. It grows up to 10 metres high with a trunk up to 60 cm in diameter, has smooth, whitish bark and brittle twigs. The dark-green "alternate" leaves are 5-15 cm long and 3-5 cm wide and their edges are finely serrated (although this feature is less pronounced in younger plants). Mahoe have male and female plants (dioecious), and the small flowers are yellowish in colouration, between 3 and 4 mm in diameter and occur in small bunches or short shoots (fascicles), growing straight out from naked twigs. Flowers have a strong, pleasant fragrance. The berries are a strikingly violet colour when ripe and are more or less spherical with a diameter of between 3 and 4 mm. Flowering occurs in late spring ( southern hemisphere )- and on into summer while the berries appear later on in summer and also in autumn. The berries of this small tree are eaten by a number of native birds. Māhoe grows throughout lower altitude New Zealand forests and is frequently seen in areas of regenerating forest. Photographs taken in the Waiarohia Reserve, Whangarei.
small tree of the family Violaceae, native to New Zealand. It grows up to 10 metres high with a trunk up to 60 cm in diameter, has smooth, whitish bark and brittle twigs. The dark-green "alternate" leaves are 5-15 cm long and 3-5 cm wide and their edges are finely serrated (although this feature is less pronounced in younger plants). Mahoe have male and female plants (dioecious), and the small flowers are yellowish in colouration, between 3 and 4 mm in diameter and occur in small bunches or short shoots (fascicles), growing straight out from naked twigs. Flowers have a strong, pleasant fragrance. The berries are a strikingly violet colour when ripe and are more or less spherical with a diameter of between 3 and 4 mm. Flowering occurs in late spring ( southern hemisphere )- and on into summer while the berries appear later on in summer and also in autumn. The berries of this small tree are eaten by a number of native birds. Māhoe grows throughout lower altitude New Zealand forests and is frequently seen in areas of regenerating forest. Photographs taken in the Waiarohia Reserve, Whangarei.
MYRSINE.
Myrsine australis : Mapou (Maori) - Red Matipo.
BOTANICAL NAME : Myrsine australis, commonly known by the Maori name Mapou or Red Matipo. M. australis is a small tree or shrub from the family Myrsinaceae. It is native to New
Zealand and found throughout the country and offshore islands. It has
crinkly-edged leaves and can be mistaken for a pittosporum but for the reddish bark and stems, also
reddish and purplish blotching on leaves is a distinguishing characteristic.factor. Growing to around 6 metres in height, it is a fine border pland that grows very well in Whangarei and districts. It is often planted in regeneration work. Pictures show M. australis growing in Cafler Park, Whangarei. male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. Female trees have small, oval fruit that are black when ripe. Photographs taken in the Coronation Reserve, Fruit (Below) taken in the Subtropical Quarry Gardens, Whangarei.
Zealand and found throughout the country and offshore islands. It has
crinkly-edged leaves and can be mistaken for a pittosporum but for the reddish bark and stems, also
reddish and purplish blotching on leaves is a distinguishing characteristic.factor. Growing to around 6 metres in height, it is a fine border pland that grows very well in Whangarei and districts. It is often planted in regeneration work. Pictures show M. australis growing in Cafler Park, Whangarei. male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. Female trees have small, oval fruit that are black when ripe. Photographs taken in the Coronation Reserve, Fruit (Below) taken in the Subtropical Quarry Gardens, Whangarei.
MUEHLENBECKIA.
Muehlenbeckia complexa: Pohuehue (Maori) - Maidenhair Vine - Wire Vine.
BOTANICAL NAME: Muehlenbeckia complexa: Common Name - Pohuehue (Maori), but it has many common names in English, such as Maidenhair Vine, Creeping Wire Vine, Lacy Wire Vine, Angel Vine, Mattress Vine, Mattress Wire Weed, Necklace Vine, and Wire Vine. The Maori name also applies to M. australis. An ornamental plant in the Polygonaceae family. Two species of this genus are native two New Zealand - M. complexa & M. australis. A vigorous shrub or small tree, probably the best species for trimming and topiary. It is semi-deciduous, growing to 15 ft (4.5 m) or more up suitable supports, and produces swollen white berries with black seeds. This species can become quite weedy in suitable climates if not restrained. In its native environment it plays a key role sealing human and natural disturbances on the forest edge. It also suppresses the growth of introduced weeds, such as blackberry, and promotes increased insect diversity.
PITTOSPORUM.
Pittosporum crassifolium - Karo -Kaikaro - Kihihi (Maori) -Stiffleaf Cheesewood.
BOTANICAL NAME: Pittosporum : A genus of about 200 species of flowering plants in the family Pittosporaceae. Its present range extends from New Zealand and Australia, to eastern Asia and some parts of Africa. There are several species of New Zealand natives, the three main species are P. crassifolium: P. tenuifolium & P. eugenioides. There are variegated foliage varieties grown in ornamental horticulture. Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly called Karo, is a small tree or shrub native to New Zealand. Its original distribution was the top half of the North Island, although now it has been grown for hedges and shelter belts throughout New Zealand. P. crassifolium occurs in lowland and coastal forests. Mature trees grow to about 5 metres (16 ft) in height. Other common names include stiffleaf cheesewood, and in Māori, kaikaro and kīhihi. Karo has dense dark gray-green leathery leaves that are furry underneath. P. crassifolium is hardy and can withstand salt spray. Flowers are in clusters, small dark red appearing in spring, developing into seed pods that split to expose the sticky yellow seeds. Below: The seeds have dried off and are ready to scatter.
Pittosporum eugenioides - Lemonwood - Tarata (Maori).
Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly called lemonwood or tarata. A New Zealand native tree.
Tarata is a medium sized tree which grows up to 12 metres tall with a strong lemony smell.
It has attractive showy flowers in October, followed by distinctive black seed capsules. It is found throughout New Zealand along forest margins and on stream banks from sea level to 600 metres. It is the largest of the New Zealand's Pittosporum species. A variegated foliage form P. eugenioides is a very popular garden shrub that does not grow as tall as the green form.
Tarata is a medium sized tree which grows up to 12 metres tall with a strong lemony smell.
It has attractive showy flowers in October, followed by distinctive black seed capsules. It is found throughout New Zealand along forest margins and on stream banks from sea level to 600 metres. It is the largest of the New Zealand's Pittosporum species. A variegated foliage form P. eugenioides is a very popular garden shrub that does not grow as tall as the green form.
Pittosporum tenuifolium - Kohuhu - Kohukohu.
BOTANICAL NAME: Pittosporum tenuifolium is a small evergreen tree (up to 10 metres) native to New Zealand, commonly known by the Māori name kohuhu and kohukohu. There are cultivated variations include purple, "silver" and variegated leaves, and is a valued garden plant that is tolerant of some difficult growing conditions, including dry soils and shade. The flowers generally go unnoticed because of their colour, a very dark reddish-purple, and are scented only at night. It is found growing wild in coastal and lower mountain forest areas up to an altitude of 900m.ere to edit.
Pittosporum tenuifolium variegatum.
Botanical name: Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegatum'. A shrub or small tree with a height of 12 feet maximum (4.5 meters) Common name variegated pittosporum. it is native to New Zealand, where it is known by the Maori names kohuhu or kohukohu, Pittosporum tenuifolium is an
evergreen tree reaching to about 10m or so in height with almost black branches. The glossy leaves are as pictured left and usually have a wavy margin. The late spring flowers are small and a dark brownish-purple colour, but are not very showy. However, they have a delicious honey scent, especially in the evening.
evergreen tree reaching to about 10m or so in height with almost black branches. The glossy leaves are as pictured left and usually have a wavy margin. The late spring flowers are small and a dark brownish-purple colour, but are not very showy. However, they have a delicious honey scent, especially in the evening.