Neinei
Dracophyllum latifolium
Dracophyllum latifolium, commonly known as neinei, needle-leaved neinei, or spider wood, is a striking, spindly, tufted tall shrub or tree endemic to the northern half of New Zealand's North Island. It can reach impressive heights of 3 to 10 meters, with some specimens growing up to 7 meters. native trees
Plant Description
This species is characterized by its open, candelabrum-shaped crown and rough to flaky greyish-brown bark on older branches, while young stems are yellowish-brown. Its leaves are a distinctive feature, crowded at the tips of branches in a bromelioid manner. They are broad, grass-like, and linear-triangular to rarely lanceolate, measuring between 100-800 mm long and 12-30 mm wide. The leaf margins are serrate to denticulate with 2-4 teeth per 10 mm, and the surfaces are glabrous and prominently striated. Young leaves often exhibit a reddish hue. The plant produces flowers in a robust, dense reddish spike from the top of the leaf tufts, with flower colors typically red or pink. Flowering occurs from September to May, and fruiting happens throughout the year. The common name "spider wood" comes from the web-like pattern on sections of its stem.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Dracophyllum latifolium |
|---|---|
| Height | 3-10m |
| Spread | 2-4m |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Light | Shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Lifespan | Long |
Climate Best Suited to
Dracophyllum latifolium thrives in lowland to subalpine environments. In the northern part of its range, it is frequently found in kauri (Agathis australis) forests, growing on gentle to steep slopes in river valleys and along stream banks. South of Auckland, it becomes more prevalent in montane areas, often dominating mountain slopes and ridgelines, extending into cloud forests and subalpine scrub. It sometimes grows alongside Dracophyllum traversii in these habitats.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Moderate |
| Nelson | Moderate |
| Christchurch | Poor |
| Dunedin | Poor |
| Invercargill | Poor |
Plant Habitat
Dracophyllum latifolium thrives in lowland to subalpine environments. In the northern part of its range, it is frequently found in kauri (Agathis australis) forests, growing on gentle to steep slopes in river valleys and along stream banks. South of Auckland, it becomes more prevalent in montane areas, often dominating mountain slopes and ridgelines, extending into cloud forests and subalpine scrub. It sometimes grows alongside Dracophyllum traversii in these habitats.
Plant Conservation
Dracophyllum latifolium is a native and endemic taxon to New Zealand. It is considered difficult to grow, and it is strongly advised that plants should not be removed from the wild. While occasionally stocked by specialist nurseries, caution is advised to ensure plants have not been illegally dug from their natural habitat, as wild-collected plants often die shortly after transplanting. Successful cultivation from seed is possible, but it requires careful management to avoid heat and drought stress.
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
For optimal growth, Dracophyllum latifolium prefers reasonably good, well-drained soil.
- Reasonably good, well-drained soil
Light Requirements
This plant prefers a shady environment.
- Shade
Water Requirements
It is crucial to ensure the soil does not dry out completely, as the plant is susceptible to heat and drought stress, especially during warmer summer months.
- Do not allow to dry out
Planting Guide
Successful cultivation from seed is possible, but it requires careful management to avoid heat and drought stress. It can tolerate wetland, wind, and free-draining conditions.
Ecological Role
The flowers of Dracophyllum latifolium are an important food source for native insects, particularly during the extended flowering period from September to May when few other plants are in bloom in subalpine environments. Native bees, hoverflies, and small beetles are frequent visitors to the robust, dense flower spikes that emerge from the leaf tufts, providing essential nectar and pollen resources. The plant also contributes to soil stability on steep mountain slopes and provides shelter for small birds and invertebrates within its distinctive candelabrum-shaped crown structure.
Uses & Significance
Garden Uses
Dracophyllum latifolium is not commercially available and should not be removed from its natural habitat. However, it is a beautiful and interesting plant for those who are able to grow it.
- Not commercially available
The genus name "Dracophyllum" means "dragon-leaf", referring to the leaves' resemblance to those of the dragon tree.
- Genus name means "dragon-leaf"
Ecological Value
The flowers of Dracophyllum latifolium are a food source for native insects.
- Food source for native insects
Landscaping Uses
In a landscaping context, Dracophyllum latifolium could be used in a native bush setting or as a specimen tree. Its unique form and attractive foliage make it a striking feature.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring
In spring, new growth will appear. This is a good time to prune any dead branches.
- Prune dead branches
Summer
During summer, ensure the plant has adequate moisture.
- Water regularly
Autumn
In autumn, the plant will be preparing for winter.
- Minimal care required
Winter
In winter, the plant is dormant.
- Minimal care required
When to Prune and How Much
Pruning is not generally required for this plant due to its naturally slow growth rate and distinctive architectural form that should be preserved. However, dead, damaged, or diseased branches can be removed at any time using clean, sharp tools to maintain plant health. If light pruning is necessary to control size or shape, it should be done immediately after flowering to avoid removing next season's flower buds, though this is rarely needed in cultivation.
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood only
- Prune lightly after flowering if necessary
- Preserve natural architectural form
How to Grow Neinei
From Seed
Propagation of Dracophyllum latifolium from seed presents considerable challenges due to the species' adaptation to harsh subalpine and alpine conditions throughout its range. This shrub produces extremely fine, dust-like seeds that require very specific environmental conditions to achieve successful germination. The species' distinctive broad leaves (latifolium means "broad-leaved") represent an adaptation to exposed, high-elevation sites, creating specialized dormancy mechanisms that must be carefully overcome through proper treatment. Fresh seeds have significantly higher viability than stored material, making immediate processing essential for any prospect of successful germination.
Collect ripe seeds from mature capsules when they begin to split naturally, typically during autumn months depending on elevation and seasonal conditions. The seeds are exceptionally fine and require meticulous handling to prevent loss during collection and processing. Surface sterilize briefly with diluted fungicide solution to prevent damping-off diseases during the extended germination period. Cold stratification at 2-4°C for 6-10 weeks is essential to break dormancy mechanisms evolved for harsh alpine winters. Some seed lots may require multiple stratification cycles to achieve adequate germination rates.
Sow stratified seeds on the surface of specialized alpine plant mix containing equal parts sphagnum peat, sharp sand, and perlite for exceptional drainage while maintaining moisture retention. Do not cover seeds as they require light for germination. Maintain consistent moisture using fine misting to avoid disturbing the microscopic seeds, keeping temperature between 10-16°C to replicate natural subalpine conditions. Provide bright, indirect light and excellent air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Germination is extremely slow and irregular, taking anywhere from 8 weeks to 12 months, with many seeds potentially remaining dormant for extended periods. Seedlings grow very slowly, requiring 3-5 years to reach transplanting size, demanding exceptional patience and consistent care throughout the process.
From Cuttings
Vegetative propagation of Dracophyllum latifolium through cuttings is notoriously difficult, reflecting the genus's generally poor rooting characteristics combined with this species' specific adaptations to extreme alpine conditions. The broad-leaved nature of the species creates additional challenges due to increased water loss during the rooting process. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken during late summer represent the only viable approach, though success rates remain disappointingly low even under optimal propagation conditions. The species' natural habitat on exposed, windy sites has resulted in physiological adaptations that resist easy vegetative propagation.
Select healthy, non-flowering shoots from current season's growth during late summer when wood has begun to harden but retains some flexibility. Take cuttings 10-15cm long with extremely sharp, sterile tools to minimize tissue damage. Remove lower leaves carefully to avoid bark damage, and trim remaining broad leaves by half to reduce transpiration losses during the critical rooting period. Wound the base of cuttings lightly with a sharp blade to expose cambium tissue, which may improve hormone uptake and encourage root development.
Apply maximum-strength rooting hormone (8000-10000ppm IBA) and plant in exceptionally free-draining cutting mix of coarse sand, perlite, and pine bark. Maintain very high humidity (90-95%) using sophisticated misting systems while ensuring adequate air circulation to prevent fungal diseases that commonly affect broad-leaved cuttings. Provide gentle bottom heat to maintain soil temperature around 18-22°C, with bright but filtered light to prevent leaf scorch. Root development, if it occurs at all, typically requires 6-12 months of meticulous care. Layering of accessible lower branches may offer marginally better success rates, allowing natural root development while maintaining connection to the parent plant, though this process requires 18-30 months and careful branch positioning to ensure adequate soil contact.
Pests & Diseases
Dracophyllum latifolium is generally a pest and disease-free plant in its natural subalpine habitat, where harsh conditions naturally suppress most pest populations. In cultivation, the main concerns are fungal diseases caused by poor drainage or excessive humidity, which can lead to root rot or crown rot. Scale insects and aphids may occasionally affect new growth, particularly on stressed plants. The key to preventing problems is ensuring excellent drainage and avoiding overwatering, especially during cooler months when the plant's growth naturally slows.
Cultural Significance
Dracophyllum latifolium is one of the broader-leaved members of this alpine to subalpine genus. Published accounts of species-specific customary uses are scarce; however, the genus underpins the fabric of upland ecosystems prized for their mauri and natural heritage. These distinctive plants form integral components of high-country landscapes that hold deep spiritual significance in Māori worldview, contributing to the ecological balance and cultural identity of montane regions throughout New Zealand.
- Representative of upland heath and shrub communities
- Contributes to the mauri of alpine landscapes
- No widely recorded species-specific uses
Bonus Tip
The common name "spider wood" comes from the distinctive web-like pattern visible on cross-sections of its stem, created by the plant's unique vascular structure. This intricate internal architecture reflects the species' adaptation to its challenging subalpine environment, where efficient water and nutrient transport systems are essential for survival in harsh mountain conditions throughout the northern North Island ranges.
Related Plants
Explore other native shrubs that share similar characteristics or habitats with Dracophyllum latifolium, offering further insights into New Zealand's diverse flora.