Olearia avicenniifolia
Mountain Akeake is a robust endemic tree daisy renowned for its exceptional hardiness and adaptability to challenging conditions. This versatile species produces masses of fragrant white daisy flowers and distinctive glossy dark green leaves with white undersides. Highly valued for shelter planting and windbreaks, it thrives in both coastal and alpine environments, making it an excellent choice for difficult sites where other plants struggle. It belongs to our diverse collection of native trees.
Image credit: Mountain Akeake (Olearia avicenniifolia). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Olearia avicenniifolia |
|---|---|
| Height | 3-6 meters |
| Spread | 2-3 meters |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Very high (alpine species) |
| Salt Tolerance | Excellent |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to fast |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Mountain Akeake is exceptionally adaptable, naturally occurring from sea level to 900m altitude throughout the South Island and Stewart Island. Its remarkable tolerance to exposure, wind, and temperature extremes makes it suitable for challenging environments from coastal sites to alpine regions.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Good |
| Auckland | Good |
| Hamilton | Good |
| Tauranga | Good |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Good |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Mountain Akeake is remarkably adaptable to various soil conditions:
Mountain Akeake performs well in various light conditions:
Once established, Mountain Akeake is very drought-tolerant:
Mountain Akeake generally requires minimal pruning and naturally maintains an attractive form:
This species naturally develops an attractive bushy form and rarely needs significant pruning except for specific landscape purposes.
Mountain Akeake can be planted almost year-round but establishment is easiest during autumn and spring when temperatures are moderate and rainfall more reliable.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots. Once established, Mountain Akeake is exceptionally low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
Growing Mountain Akeake from seed:
Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken:
Move young plants to final positions when well-established, preferably in autumn or spring for best success rates.
Mountain Akeake represents an important component of New Zealand's endemic flora, particularly valued for its exceptional adaptability to challenging environments:
Today, Mountain Akeake is increasingly valued for sustainable landscaping, particularly in challenging sites where conventional plants fail. Its low-maintenance requirements and exceptional hardiness make it ideal for climate-resilient gardens and restoration projects.
Mountain Akeake is exceptionally hardy and pest-resistant. Most issues arise only during establishment or in unsuitable growing conditions. Established plants rarely require treatment.
For the best windbreak performance, plant Mountain Akeake in staggered rows with 3-4 meter spacing. The combination of its rapid growth, dense branching, and exceptional wind tolerance creates an effective living barrier that improves with age. The bonus of fragrant summer flowers makes it far more attractive than conventional exotic windbreak species.
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.
Olearia are distinguished by their daisy-family flowers featuring white to cream ray petals surrounding yellow disc centers, borne on shrubs or small trees with characteristic flaky, furrowed bark. Leaves vary greatly between species but are typically evergreen and often have white or silvery undersides due to dense hairs. The woody growth form is unusual among the daisy family, with some species developing substantial trunks and canopies.
Tree daisies play crucial roles as pioneer species in disturbed habitats and as shelter providers for other native plants in harsh environments. Their nectar-rich flowers support native insects including butterflies and bees, while their seeds provide food for finches and other small birds. Many species form dense thickets that create microclimates allowing more sensitive plants to establish beneath their protection.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
Olearia species are exceptionally tough plants that thrive in exposed, windy conditions and well-drained soils, making them excellent for shelter and establishing gardens in difficult sites. They propagate easily from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in autumn and fresh seed, though seed viability is typically short-term. Most species prefer cool climates and may struggle in hot, humid conditions, performing best with some protection from extreme heat.
Several Olearia species face significant conservation threats, with Hector's tree daisy (O. hectorii) having only around 4,500 individuals remaining in highly fragmented South Island populations. Habitat loss, browsing by introduced mammals, and competition from invasive weeds threaten many species, particularly those with restricted ranges. Climate change may further stress alpine and subalpine species adapted to specific temperature regimes.
This plant has cultural associations in Aotearoa and is valued in restoration and gardens for ecological services; use eco‑sourced stock near natural areas.
Olearia species were valued by Māori for their practical uses, with the strong, dense wood of larger species like akeake used for tool handles, weapons, and construction materials. The name "akeake" reflects the wood's hardness and durability, making it prized for fence posts and implements requiring strength. Some species provided traditional medicines, though specific uses varied among different iwi and regions.
Olearia have evolved remarkable adaptations including dense leaf hairs for protection from UV radiation and desiccation, and the ability to photosynthesize in low-light forest conditions. Their evolution from herbaceous ancestors to woody forms represents adaptation to New Zealand's forest-dominated landscape where height provides competitive advantage. Wind-dispersed seeds allow colonization of new habitats including disturbed sites.
Tree daisies occupy diverse habitats from coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops to montane forests and alpine shrublands, with different species adapted to specific environmental conditions. Coastal species tolerate salt spray and strong winds, while montane species like mountain holly thrive in cool, moist "cloud forest" environments. Many species are found along riverbanks and in areas with good drainage but consistent moisture.
