Elaeocarpus dentatus
Hīnau (Elaeocarpus dentatus) stands as one of New Zealand's most elegant and culturally significant native trees, gracing lowland and montane forests with its distinctive bicolored foliage and cascading displays of lily-like white flowers that transform the canopy into a fragrant wonderland each spring. This magnificent evergreen can reach heights of 20 meters with broad, spreading crowns that create cathedral-like spaces beneath, while its characteristic leaves - dark green above and silvery-white beneath - create a shimmering, two-toned effect that makes the tree instantly recognizable even from a distance. The tree's scientific name "dentatus" perfectly captures one of its most distinctive features: the beautifully serrated leaf edges that give each leaf an intricate, saw-toothed outline, while small pit-like structures called domatia on the leaf undersides provide homes for beneficial mites that help protect the tree from harmful insects. From October through February, Hīnau produces spectacular floral displays with long, drooping racemes of small white flowers that bear a striking resemblance to lily of the valley, filling the forest with sweet fragrance while attracting numerous native insects and birds. The tree's purple-black berries, which follow the flowers and ripen from December to May, held enormous cultural importance for Māori communities who developed sophisticated techniques for processing the fruit into nutritious cakes, involving careful soaking, rubbing, and sieving before baking - a testament to the deep botanical knowledge that sustained indigenous populations for generations. Beyond its cultural significance, Hīnau plays crucial ecological roles in New Zealand's forest ecosystems, with its berries providing essential food for native birds including kererū, tūī, and bellbirds, whose feeding activities help maintain forest connectivity through seed dispersal. The tree's strong, dark heartwood has practical applications, being valued for its durability in construction and fencing, while its broad canopy provides vital habitat for epiphytes, small mammals, and nesting birds. In modern landscape settings, Hīnau offers exceptional ornamental value with its year-round foliage interest, seasonal flowering spectacle, and wildlife attraction capabilities, making it an outstanding choice for large gardens, parks, and restoration projects where its majestic presence can be fully appreciated.
| Scientific Name | Elaeocarpus dentatus |
|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 m |
| Spread | 6-10 m |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Light | Partial shade to full sun |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance | Poor |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived tree |
Hnau occupies a wide climatic range from warm lowlands to cool hill country, provided soils are welldrained and moisture is reliable. It tolerates light frosts inland once established but grows best with shelter and humusrich soils.
| 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 | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Prefers deep, welldrained, fertile forest soils with abundant organic matter. Mulching improves moisture retention and soil life. Avoid compacted or waterlogged sites.
Establishes readily in partial shade under a nurse canopy, then tolerates full sun with shelter. Inland, filtered light reduces leaf scorch during hot, dry winds.
Keep evenly moist during establishment. Mature trees cope with short dry periods, but regular deep watering in drought promotes fruiting and canopy health.
Flowers provide nectar/pollen for insects; abundant fruits feed kerer2 and other birds, aiding seed dispersal. The evergreen canopy contributes to forest structure and shade.
Hnau bark was traditionally used as a dark dye/tannin source, and the nutritious berries were processed as food in some rohe. Today it is valued in restoration and largesite landscaping for durable canopy and wildlife support.
Plant containergrown trees; control weeds and renew mulch. Light formative pruning to remove crossing shoots.
Maintain deep, infrequent watering during dry spells. Inspect for scale/sooty mould where honeydew occurs.
Fruiting season in many regions; collect seed for propagation. Reduce irrigation with cooler weather.
Undertake structural pruning on dry days. Provide frost protection for juveniles in cold districts.
Minimal pruning is required beyond formative work. Maintain a strong central leader on young trees and remove dead, damaged or rubbing branches. Avoid heavy topping cuts.
Hīnau is a beautiful and culturally significant native tree, highly valued for its elegant form, distinctive bicolored foliage, and cascading white flowers. It is a prominent feature in New Zealand's lowland and montane forests and is a popular choice for larger gardens and restoration projects. While it is a robust tree, successful cultivation requires attention to its specific needs, particularly regarding moisture, shelter, and protection from frost when young. Understanding its propagation methods is key to successfully growing this iconic species.
Propagating Hīnau from fresh seed is the most common and generally reliable method, though germination can be slow and erratic. Collect the small, purple-black berries when they are fully ripe, typically from December to May. Clean the seeds thoroughly to remove the fleshy pulp, as this can inhibit germination. Sow the fresh seeds in a well-draining seed-raising mix, lightly covering them. Maintain consistent moisture and provide cool, shaded conditions. Germination can take several months to over a year, and the seeds may benefit from a period of cold stratification. Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be potted into individual containers and grown in a sheltered, frost-free location for their first few years before planting out.
Propagation of Hīnau from cuttings is generally more challenging and less reliable than from seed. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be attempted in late summer or early autumn from healthy, current season's growth. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings into a well-draining, sterile cutting mix, such as a blend of perlite and peat. Maintain high humidity around the cuttings, perhaps by placing them under a plastic dome or in a propagator, and provide bottom heat to encourage root development. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Rooting can be slow and success rates can be low, making this method more suitable for experienced propagators.
Hīnau (Elaeocarpus dentatus) is a long-lived canopy tree of lowland and montane forests across much of Aotearoa New Zealand. It is recognised by its leathery, toothed leaves (often colouring red before leaf-fall), racemes of small, bell-like white flowers, and abundant, olive-like purple-black berries that feed kererū and other birds. The bark and fruit have a notable place in Māori tradition, including use of bark tannins for dye. In cultivation it prefers deep, well-drained forest soils with consistent moisture and shelter from severe frost. Explore more NZ native plant guides in our index.
Hīnau (Elaeocarpus dentatus) holds cultural importance in Aotearoa New Zealand through its roles in traditional knowledge and native ecosystems.
