Melicytus lanceolatus
Narrow-leaved Māhoe is an elegant evergreen tree reaching 6-10 meters tall, distinguished by its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and drooping clusters of small white flowers followed by dark purple berries. This graceful species has smooth grey bark and a distinctive weeping growth habit that makes it particularly attractive in gardens. Naturally found in coastal and lowland forests of the North Island, it's closely related to Whiteywood but has a more refined appearance with its slender foliage and graceful branching pattern. A distinctive member among New Zealand's native trees
Image credit: Narrow-leaved Māhoe (Melicytus lanceolatus). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Melicytus lanceolatus |
|---|---|
| Height | 6-10 meters |
| Spread | 4-6 meters |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate (hardy to -8°C) |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate (coastal tolerant) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 80-150 years |
Narrow-leaved Māhoe grows naturally in coastal and lowland forests from sea level to 800 meters elevation throughout the North Island. It thrives in mild, humid climates with regular rainfall and prefers areas with good air circulation and protection from extreme weather. This species is well-adapted to New Zealand's temperate oceanic climate.
| 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 | Moderate |
| Christchurch | Moderate |
| Dunedin | Challenging |
| Invercargill | Challenging |
Narrow-leaved Māhoe prefers well-drained, fertile soils:
Narrow-leaved Māhoe performs well in filtered light:
Narrow-leaved Māhoe requires consistent moisture:
This versatile native plant offers multiple practical applications in landscaping and garden design, from providing ground cover and erosion control to creating habitat for native wildlife. The plant's natural characteristics make it valuable for restoration projects and sustainable gardening practices.
Narrow-leaved Māhoe naturally develops an attractive weeping form and requires minimal pruning:
Use sharp, clean tools for best results. This species' graceful natural form is its main attraction, so minimal intervention is usually best.
Plant Narrow-leaved Māhoe during autumn or spring when temperatures are mild and soil conditions are optimal. This moderately hardy species establishes best when planted during favorable weather conditions.
Choose a site with:
Provide consistent watering and protection from harsh conditions during first 2-3 years. Narrow-leaved Māhoe establishes more slowly than its relative Whiteywood but is worth the patience for its elegant form.
Narrow-leaved Māhoe propagates moderately well from seed:
Seedlings grow at a moderate rate and may flower within 5-8 years under good conditions.
Vegetative propagation is moderately successful:
This species has limited natural regeneration compared to Whiteywood:
Narrow-leaved Māhoe (Māhoe rauriki) has served alongside its relative Whiteywood in New Zealand's cultural landscape, though its more restricted distribution made it less common in traditional use:
Today, Narrow-leaved Māhoe is classified as At Risk - Naturally Uncommon due to habitat loss and its naturally restricted distribution. It's increasingly valued in native gardens and restoration projects for its elegant form and moderate growth habit that suits smaller spaces better than its faster-growing relatives.
Narrow-leaved Māhoe's moderate growth rate and refined structure make it less vigorous in recovering from severe pest damage compared to Whiteywood. Prevention through good growing conditions is key.
Plant Narrow-leaved Māhoe as an understory tree beneath larger natives or as a graceful specimen near water features. Its weeping habit and narrow leaves create beautiful patterns when backlit, and the sound of gentle rain on its foliage adds a peaceful quality to garden spaces. This elegant species bridges the gap between the robust pioneer nature of Whiteywood and the refined needs of more specialized natives.
Learn more about the cultural significance of native trees in Cultural Plants.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
Narrow-leaved māhoe plays important ecological roles as an understory shrub in New Zealand's native forests, providing food resources for native birds through its berries and supporting diverse communities of forest invertebrates. The plant contributes to forest understory diversity and creates specific microhabitats that support other native species, while its flowering and fruiting cycles contribute to the seasonal patterns that characterize healthy forest ecosystems. Its presence helps maintain the structural and biological diversity essential for forest health.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
While not currently threatened, narrow-leaved māhoe faces ongoing challenges from browsing by introduced mammals, competition from invasive weeds, and forest habitat modification that can impact understory plant communities. The species' role in forest ecosystems makes it valuable for maintaining native forest biodiversity, while its relationships with native birds make it important for supporting wildlife populations. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining healthy forest ecosystems, controlling introduced pests and weeds, and preserving the complex forest conditions essential for diverse native understory communities.
This plant has cultural associations in Aotearoa and is valued in restoration and gardens for ecological services; use eco‑sourced stock near natural areas.
Narrow-leaved māhoe was recognized by Māori as one of the native shrubs that contributed to forest diversity, occasionally used for traditional purposes and valued for its role in indicating specific forest conditions. The plant's distinctive narrow leaves and growth form made it recognizable among forest shrubs, while its berries provided food for native birds. The species continues to hold cultural interest as part of New Zealand's diverse native shrub flora and represents the complex plant communities that characterize healthy native forests.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
