Olearia hectorii
Hector's Tree Daisy is a critically endangered deciduous native tree named after Sir James Hector, the pioneering 19th-century New Zealand geologist and botanist. This unique species can grow up to 10 meters tall with distinctive corky bark and supports at least 23 species of endemic moths, making it crucial for biodiversity. With only about 4,500 individuals remaining in the wild, mostly aging trees with poor regeneration, this species desperately needs conservation action through habitat protection and cultivation. It represents our most endangered collection of threatened species.
Image credit: Hector's Tree Daisy (Olearia hectorii). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Olearia hectorii |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 10 meters |
| Spread | 3-5 meters |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | High (subalpine species) |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Very long-lived (century+) |
Hector's Tree Daisy is naturally found in the eastern South Island from lowland to subalpine zones. It thrives in areas with natural disturbance patterns including flooding, frost, and drought, preferring sites at the base of hills on colluvial or alluvial deposits with periodic disturbance.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Moderate |
| Auckland | Moderate |
| 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 |
Hector's Tree Daisy has specific soil needs reflecting its natural habitat:
Hector's Tree Daisy performs well in various light conditions:
Low to moderate water needs once established:
Hector's Tree Daisy requires minimal pruning due to its conservation value:
Given the critical conservation status, the priority is maintaining healthy specimens rather than aesthetic pruning. Natural form should be preserved.
Plant Hector's Tree Daisy in spring when soil temperatures warm and growth begins. Autumn planting is also possible but spring gives the longest growing season for establishment.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly during first two years until well-established. This species is extremely hardy once established but needs care during the vulnerable establishment phase.
Growing Hector's Tree Daisy from seed is challenging but important for conservation:
Semi-hardwood cuttings have variable success:
Due to critical conservation status, all propagation efforts contribute to species survival. Work with conservation groups and share plants responsibly.
Hector's Tree Daisy carries profound historical and scientific significance as a tribute to one of New Zealand's most important early scientists and as a critically endangered species requiring urgent conservation action:
Today, conservation of Hector's Tree Daisy represents both honoring scientific heritage and preventing ecological collapse. Each plant grown in cultivation contributes to genetic preservation and potential future reintroduction efforts.
The greatest threats to this species are habitat loss and lack of regeneration sites rather than traditional pests and diseases. Conservation-focused management is essential.
Create a "conservation corner" in your garden dedicated to critically endangered native plants like Hector's Tree Daisy. Partner with local conservation groups, botanical gardens, or DOC to obtain ethically sourced plants. Document your plant's growth and contribute observations to citizen science projects. Consider joining plant conservation networks to help coordinate breeding programs and genetic preservation efforts for this and other threatened species.
Learn more about critically endangered native species in Threatened Species.
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.
