Forest Maire
Pterophylla sylvicola native plants index
Introduction
The Forest Tawhero
Pterophylla sylvicola, commonly known as Forest Maire or Tawhero, is a beautiful native tree of New Zealand. It is highly valued for its distinctive foliage and its role in the forest ecosystem. This species is a popular choice for native plantings due to its adaptability and attractive appearance.
Forest Maire (Pterophylla sylvicola) is a native species valued in gardens and restoration for its form and resilience in suitable conditions. Learn more about native trees in our native plants guide.
Plant Description
Botanical Features
Forest Maire (Pterophylla sylvicola), also known as twai or tawhero, is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to northern New Zealand, belonging to the family Cunoniaceae. It can grow up to 15 meters tall or more, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. It has a blotched trunk. Adult leaves are toothed and leathery, typically consisting of three to five leaflets, though sometimes simple. The terminal leaflet can be 4-7 cm long. Juvenile leaves are thinner and can have up to ten pairs of leaflets, often reddish underneath. The tree produces spikes of small, bristly white to pale rose flowers, arranged in racemes that are 8-12 cm long. Its fruits are capsules, 4-5 cm long, which release many tiny seeds dispersed by wind. Twai is found in forests and forest margins from North Cape south to the Waitkere Ranges and Kaimai Range in the North Island of New Zealand.
Quick Facts
Essential Information
| Scientific Name | Pterophylla sylvicola (syn. Weinmannia sylvicola) |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Tawhero, Forest Maire |
| Height | Up to 15 m (typically 5-10 m) |
| Spread | 3-6 m |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived tree |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate; prefers consistently moist soil |
| Soil | Well-drained, fertile, acidic to neutral |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate (hardy once established) |
| Salt Tolerance | Low to moderate |
| Flowering Season | Spring to Early Summer (October - December) |
| Flower Colour | Creamy white |
Climate Best Suited to
Regional climate suitability across major New Zealand cities.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Good |
| Tauranga | Good |
| Rotorua | Moderate |
| Gisborne | Moderate |
| New Plymouth | Moderate |
| Napier | Moderate |
| Whanganui | Moderate |
| Palmerston North | Moderate |
| Wellington | Moderate |
| Nelson | Poor |
| Christchurch | Poor |
| Dunedin | Poor |
| Invercargill | Poor |
Natural Habitat
Forest Maire (Pterophylla sylvicola), also known as twai or tawhero, is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to northern New Zealand. It primarily thrives in forests and forest margins, showcasing its preference for these environments.
Key Habitats Include:
- Forests and Forest Margins: It is commonly found in forests and along their margins, indicating its role as a component of native forest ecosystems.
- Well-Drained Banks and Steep Slopes: Its distribution on well-drained banks and steep slopes suggests a preference for sites with good drainage.
- Specific Distribution: Its range extends from North Cape south to the Waitkere Ranges and Kaimai Range on the North Island, highlighting its northern distribution within New Zealand.
Preferred Conditions:
- Soil: It prefers well-drained, fertile, acidic to neutral soils.
- Light: It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
- Moisture: It prefers consistently moist soil but is not tolerant of waterlogging.
The presence of Pterophylla sylvicola in these specific habitats underscores its ecological importance in contributing to the biodiversity and structural complexity of New Zealand's northern native forests.
Plant Conservation
Conservation
Forest Maire (Pterophylla sylvicola), also known as tūwai or tawhero, is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to northern New Zealand. It is currently classified as "Not Threatened" by the New Zealand Threat Classification System. While generally secure, its populations are monitored, and it plays an important ecological role in contributing to the biodiversity and structural complexity of New Zealand's northern native forests. It is easily grown from fresh seeds and is used as an upright forest specimen tree in horticulture and restoration.
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
Tawhero (Pterophylla sylvicola) tolerates most soil types but thrives in well-drained conditions with a cool root run. It naturally grows on well-drained banks and steep slopes, indicating its preference for good drainage. While it can handle some dampness, it is typically found in upland, non-wetland areas.
Light Requirements
This tree is tolerant of both full sun and partial shade. In its natural forest environment, it often grows as an understory tree, adapting to filtered light. It will perform well in a range of light conditions, though optimal growth may occur with good light exposure.
Water Requirements
Tawhero prefers consistently moist soil but is not tolerant of waterlogging. Regular watering is beneficial, especially during establishment and dry periods, to support its growth.
Planting Guide
Site and Preparation
Tawhero (Pterophylla sylvicola) prefers moist, well-drained, mildly acidic soils and thrives from coastal to hill country in Te Ika-a-Māui/North Island. Select a site with full sun to partial shade and protect young plants from strong, salt-laden winds.
How to Plant
- Clear weeds over a 1 m circle; pre-weed aggressive grasses.
- Dig a hole twice the rootball width; roughen the sides and base.
- Backfill with native topsoil and compost; keep the root collar at ground level.
- Water in thoroughly and mulch 5-8 cm deep, away from the stem.
- Stake on exposed sites for 12-18 months to prevent wind rock.
- Water regularly through the first summer dry spells.
Aftercare
Light formative pruning can improve structure in amenity plantings. In possum-prone areas, protect foliage to ensure consistent growth and flowering.
Ecological Role
Canopy Resource
Tawhero is an important canopy and subcanopy tree in northern forests. Its flowers provide nectar and pollen for insects and birds, while the evergreen canopy casts cool, humid shade that benefits ferns and epiphytes.
Regeneration
Fine, wind-dispersed seed assists colonisation after disturbance. Tawhero often acts as a nurse species, supporting the succession toward longer-lived emergents in suitable sites.
Uses & Significance
A Valuable Forest Tree
- Traditional Mori Medicine: The bark of Tawhero (twai) was traditionally used by Mori for medicinal purposes, particularly for creating remedies for various skin diseases.
- Ecological Support: Its clusters of creamy-white flowers, appearing in spring and summer, attract a variety of native pollinators, contributing to the health and biodiversity of New Zealand's ecosystems. It also serves as a food source for native birds.
- Timber: Tawhero is considered a good timber tree, valued for its wood.
- Horticultural Value: Easily grown from fresh seeds, it is used as an upright forest specimen tree in horticulture. Its adaptability to various soils (preferring well-drained, cool root runs) makes it a suitable choice for native plantings.
- Endemic Species: As an endemic vascular plant to New Zealand, found primarily in the northern North Island, it holds significant importance in the country's unique flora.
- Habitat Provider: Thriving in forests and forest margins, often on well-drained banks and steep slopes, it provides crucial habitat and contributes to the structure of native forest ecosystems.
Landscaping Ideas
Bush Garden Framework
Use tawhero as a framework tree for bush gardens and as a fast-establishing screen in moist, sheltered sites. Pair with Coprosma, Pseudopanax, and shade-tolerant ferns to create layered native structure.
Seasonal Care
Tawhero (Pterophylla sylvicola) is an evergreen tree native to northern New Zealand, and while it is generally low-maintenance, understanding its seasonal characteristics can help optimize its care.
Spring
- Flowering: Clusters of creamy-white flowers typically begin to appear in spring, attracting pollinators.
- New Growth: Observe new foliage emerging, often with a reddish tinge.
- Watering: Ensure consistent moisture, especially if spring is dry, to support active growth.
Summer
- Peak Flowering: Flowering continues into summer, providing nectar for birds and insects.
- Fruiting: Small capsules containing seeds develop from January to March.
- Watering: During dry summer periods, ensure adequate watering to prevent stress, as the tree prefers consistently moist conditions.
Autumn
- Seed Collection: Ripe seeds can be collected from the capsules for propagation.
- Watering: Reduce watering frequency as temperatures cool and natural rainfall increases.
Winter
- Protection: As a tree of the northern North Island, Tawhero is moderately frost-tolerant once established, but young trees may benefit from protection in colder areas.
- Watering: Minimal watering is required during winter, allowing the soil to remain on the drier side.
Pruning
Techniques and Timing
Tawhero (Pterophylla sylvicola) generally develops a pleasing natural form and does not require extensive pruning. Any pruning is typically for maintenance, shaping, or to remove unwanted growth.
- Maintenance Pruning: Regularly inspect the tree and remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. This can be done at any time of year to maintain the tree's health and appearance.
- Formative Pruning (Young Trees): For young trees, light formative pruning can be undertaken to encourage a strong central leader and a well-balanced branch structure. Remove any crossing or rubbing branches.
- Timing: If more significant shaping or size reduction is required, it is best done in late winter or early spring before the main flush of new growth. Tawhero generally responds well to pruning.
- Minimal Intervention: Avoid heavy pruning of mature trees, as this can disrupt their natural form and may not be necessary.
How to Grow Forest Maire
Forest Maire (Pterophylla sylvicola), also known as Tawhero, is an attractive evergreen tree endemic to the North Island of New Zealand. It is a prominent feature of lowland and coastal forests, particularly in the northern regions. Tawhero is characterized by its glossy, dark green, serrated leaves, often with a reddish tinge on new growth, and its delicate racemes of creamy-white flowers that appear in spring and early summer. These flowers are followed by small, reddish-brown capsules. This tree plays an important ecological role, providing nectar for native birds and insects, and contributing to the biodiversity of New Zealand's native forests. Understanding its propagation methods is key to successfully cultivating this beautiful native tree.
From Seed
Propagating Forest Maire from fresh seeds is a straightforward and reliable method. Collect the small seeds from the 4-5 cm capsules that develop between January and March, ensuring they are fully mature. Sow fresh seeds in a well-drained seed mix, such as a blend of sand and compost. Lightly cover the seeds with fine medium. Maintain consistent moisture in the seed tray and keep it in a sheltered position with bright, indirect light. Germination is generally reliable and can occur within a few weeks to a couple of months. Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves and are stable, carefully prick them out into individual small pots, minimizing root disturbance. Grow them on in a sheltered environment with steady moisture before gradually hardening them off for planting out.
From Cuttings
While seed propagation is generally preferred due to its ease and reliability, Forest Maire can also be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings. Take 10-15 cm cuttings from healthy, current season's growth, ideally in summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Insert the cuttings into a well-drained cutting mix (e.g., sand and perlite), maintaining good humidity around the cuttings, perhaps under a plastic dome or in a propagator. Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect light. Rooting can be slow and may take several months. This method is generally more successful for experienced propagators or in specialized nursery settings with controlled environmental conditions.
Pests & Diseases
Generally Resilient
Tawhero (Pterophylla sylvicola) is generally considered a robust and resilient native tree. There are no specific pests or diseases widely documented as significant threats to this species, suggesting a good natural resistance.
- General Health: To maintain its health, ensure good growing conditions, including well-drained soil and adequate moisture.
- Monitoring: While generally pest-free, it's always good practice to monitor for common garden pests like aphids or scale insects, which can occasionally affect any plant. Address any infestations promptly with appropriate organic or chemical controls if necessary.
- Disease Prevention: Ensure good air circulation and avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent general fungal issues that can affect many plants.
Cultural Significance
Pterophylla sylvicola, commonly known as tōwai or tawhero, holds significant cultural importance within Māori tradition, particularly for its medicinal properties. Māori traditionally harvested the bark of this tree, specifically scraping the inner bark from the sun-facing side, and boiled it to create remedies for treating various skin diseases. This practice demonstrates the sophisticated understanding of plant medicine within traditional rongoā (Māori medicine). Beyond its medicinal uses, tōwai plays an important ecological role as an endemic species of northern New Zealand, where its spring and summer flowers provide nectar for native pollinators, and its seeds support native bird populations. As part of New Zealand's unique Cunoniaceae family, this tree represents the distinctive evolutionary heritage of the country's flora and continues to hold importance in contemporary conservation efforts to preserve indigenous forest ecosystems.
Bonus Tip
Mulch tawhero deeply to keep roots cool and moisture even through dry spells. In possum-prone areas, temporary foliage guards or browse control greatly improves flowering and canopy health.
