Myrsine australis
Red Mātipo, known by its Māori names māpou, tīpau, and mataira, is an exceptional native shrub revered as a rākau tapu (sacred tree) in Māori culture. This hardy species is instantly recognizable by its distinctive bright red twigs contrasting with dark black-purple bark, and unique undulating yellow-green leaves with purple-wine blotches. Growing 3-6 meters tall, it's a vital early colonizing species in forest regeneration and an important food source for native birds including kererū, tūī, and korimako. The name māpou means "free of tapu stick," reflecting its ceremonial use in lifting tapu restrictions. Incredibly adaptable, thriving from coastal to montane environments and tolerating challenging conditions, it's perfect for restoration plantings, hedging, and wildlife gardens. It represents our important collection of native shrubs.
Image credit: Red Mātipo (Myrsine australis). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Myrsine australis |
|---|---|
| Māori Names | Māpou, tīpau, mataira |
| Height | 3-6 meters |
| Spread | 2-3 meters |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate (very adaptable) |
| Light | Full sun to full shade |
| Frost Tolerance | High |
| Salt Tolerance | Good (coastal tolerant) |
| Growth Rate | Fast (early colonizer) |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Red Mātipo thrives throughout New Zealand from sea level to 900m elevation, found naturally from the Three Kings Islands to Stewart Island. This remarkably adaptable species excels in coastal to montane environments, tolerating both wet and dry conditions, making it suitable for virtually all New Zealand climates.
| 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 |
Red Mātipo is exceptionally adaptable to soil conditions:
Extremely adaptable to light conditions:
Very low maintenance water needs:
Red Mātipo responds well to pruning and can be maintained as formal hedging:
This species is very tolerant of pruning and actually benefits from regular trimming, making it excellent for formal hedges and topiary work.
Red Mātipo can be planted almost year-round due to its exceptional hardiness. Spring and autumn provide optimal conditions, but this adaptable species establishes well in most seasons with adequate initial care.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly during first year until established. This hardy species quickly becomes self-sufficient and requires minimal ongoing care once established.
Growing Red Mātipo from seed (preferred method):
Semi-hardwood cuttings possible but challenging:
Collect fruits when fully black and ripe. Seeds require cold stratification and may have extended germination periods, so patience is essential for best results.
Red Mātipo holds profound spiritual and cultural significance in Māori tradition, representing one of New Zealand's most sacred native plants:
Today, Red Mātipo continues to be respected in Māori culture while playing crucial roles in ecological restoration. Its dual significance as both sacred tree and restoration species reflects the deep connection between cultural values and environmental stewardship in New Zealand.
Red Mātipo is exceptionally hardy and has few serious pest or disease problems. Its natural resistance to possums and adaptation to challenging conditions make it one of New Zealand's most trouble-free native plants.
Plant Red Mātipo as a "nurse plant" to establish other less hardy natives - its fast growth provides shelter and improves soil while its bird-attracting fruits bring seed dispersers to your garden. The distinctive red twigs create beautiful winter interest and the undulating leaves with purple blotches are botanically fascinating. Perfect for anyone wanting to create meaningful cultural connections in their garden while supporting native wildlife. Its sacred significance makes it especially valuable for educational and culturally-aware plantings.
Learn more about culturally significant native plants 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.
Māpou plays crucial ecological roles as a pioneer species in New Zealand's forest ecosystems, rapidly establishing in cleared or disturbed areas and helping facilitate the return of native forest through natural succession. The plant provides essential food resources for native birds through its abundant small berries, supporting seed dispersal networks and wildlife populations, while its dense growth creates shelter and nesting sites for forest birds. Its ability to establish in challenging conditions and prepare sites for other native species makes it invaluable for natural forest recovery processes.
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, māpou faces ongoing challenges from browsing by introduced mammals, competition from invasive weeds, and habitat modification that can impact its role in forest succession and regeneration. The species' importance as a pioneer plant makes it particularly valuable for restoration projects, but maintaining healthy populations requires management of browsing pressure and invasive species control. Conservation efforts focus on supporting natural forest regeneration, controlling introduced pests, managing invasive species, and recognizing māpou's essential role in native forest recovery and biodiversity conservation.
This plant has cultural associations in Aotearoa and is valued in restoration and gardens for ecological services; use eco‑sourced stock near natural areas.
Māpou was valued by Māori for its medicinal properties and its role in traditional forest management, with various parts of the plant used to treat ailments while its distinctive berries provided occasional food for both people and birds. The plant's hardy nature and ability to establish in disturbed forest areas made it important in traditional ecological knowledge as a pioneer species that helped restore forest cover. The species continues to hold cultural significance as one of New Zealand's most adaptable native shrubs and represents the traditional understanding of forest succession and plant community development.
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.
