Nestegis lanceolata native plants index
Nestegis lanceolata, commonly known as White Maire, is an attractive medium-sized native tree distinguished by its elegant lance-shaped leaves and clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that appear in spring. This member of the olive family develops into a handsome specimen with smooth, grey bark and a rounded crown, producing dark purple drupes that provide crucial food for native birds including kereru and tui. Historically, White Maire was highly prized by Māori for its exceptionally hard, durable heartwood, which was carved into tools, weapons, and implements requiring strength and longevity. Today, this slow-growing but long-lived species is valued for ecological restoration and as an attractive specimen tree for temperate gardens where its distinctive foliage and bird-attracting fruits contribute to native biodiversity. Explore more in the native plants index.
| Scientific Name | Nestegis lanceolata |
|---|---|
| Height | 8-15 m |
| Spread | 5-8 m |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Good |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived |
White maire grows in lowland to hilly forests of the North Island and northern South Island. It prefers warm, humid districts with well‑drained soils and tolerates light frost inland once established.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Good |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Good |
| Gisborne | Good |
| New Plymouth | Good |
| Napier | Good |
| Whanganui | Good |
| Palmerston North | Moderate |
| Wellington | Moderate |
| Nelson | Poor |
| Christchurch | Poor |
| Dunedin | Poor |
| Invercargill | Poor |
Prefers moist, free‑draining loams enriched with organic matter. Avoid poor aeration and standing water. Mulch to build forest humus.
Partial shade to full sun with shelter; full sun promotes denser crowns.
Steady moisture during establishment; drought‑tolerant later but benefits from deep watering in extended dry periods.
Dark purple drupes provide essential food for kererū, tūī, and other native birds, particularly valuable as they ripen during late summer when other food sources may be scarce. The dense evergreen crowns offer year-round shelter and nesting sites for small birds while creating important shade and habitat structure in forest margins and restoration plantings. The exceptionally durable timber contributes to long-term forest structure, with mature trees potentially living for centuries and providing stable habitat anchors in native ecosystems.
Historically valued for extremely hard timber; today a key restoration species and long‑lived specimen.
Plant and stake; weed control and mulching.
Deep watering in drought; check ties.
Reduce irrigation; light tidy.
Structural/sanitation pruning on fine days.
Minimal pruning required beyond basic maintenance for this naturally well-formed tree. Maintain a single dominant leader during establishment years to develop good structure, then limit pruning to removal of dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches. Prune during winter dormancy to minimize stress and reduce sap bleeding. This slow-growing species responds poorly to heavy pruning, so focus on gentle shaping and sanitation cuts rather than major structural changes.
White Maire is an attractive medium-sized native tree distinguished by its elegant lance-shaped leaves and clusters of small, creamy-white flowers. This member of the olive family develops into a handsome specimen with smooth, grey bark and a rounded crown, producing dark purple drupes that provide crucial food for native birds. Historically, White Maire was highly prized by Māori for its exceptionally hard, durable heartwood. Today, this slow-growing but long-lived species is valued for ecological restoration and as an attractive specimen tree for temperate gardens. Understanding its propagation methods is key to successfully growing this important species.
Propagating White Maire from fresh seed is a viable method, though it requires careful handling and specific conditions. Collect fresh seed from ripe purple drupes in late summer to autumn, removing flesh thoroughly before sowing to prevent fungal issues. Sow immediately in cool, consistently moist conditions as seed loses viability quickly when dried. Germination typically occurs within 4-8 weeks under optimal conditions of 15-18°C. Prick out seedlings very gently to avoid damaging the sensitive taproot system, handling only by the leaves rather than stems or roots. This method is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and for large-scale restoration projects.
Vegetative propagation of White Maire, particularly from cuttings, can be challenging with variable success rates. Occasional basal shoots or suckers can be carefully separated and potted when they develop their own root systems, typically in late winter or early spring. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken from current season's growth in late summer can root with rooting hormone and consistent mist propagation, though success rates are variable and this species is generally slow to establish from cuttings. Bottom heat and high humidity improve rooting success. This method is best suited for experienced propagators or for specific conservation efforts.
Plants with similar habit or use can complement White Maire in mixed native plantings and habitat restoration.
White Maire (Nestegis lanceolata) holds cultural importance in Aotearoa New Zealand through its roles in traditional knowledge and native ecosystems.
