houhere

Hoheria populnea | lacebark, houhere, houi, ribbonwood

 

This fast-growing and vigorous evergreen is an attractive flowering tree with large leaves and fragrant white blooms. Ideal for shelter, as a specimen, or in mixed borders, it prefers moist, fertile soil and thrives best in mild locations, being frost-sensitive when young. Compact and handsome it features fresh green, serrated leaves and becomes smothered in white flowers in autumn. Its somewhat pendulous branches add to its charm. While it thrives in full sun or partial shade on well-drained soil, it also tolerates dry spells, coastal conditions, heavy soils, moderate frost, and some wind, though young plants need protection. This versatile tree is commonly used in mixed plantings, revegetation, as a quick shelter, in riparian zones, or as a striking specimen.

coastal forest

lowland forest

montane forest

dry

free draining

well drained

moist

full sun

partial shade

height | 10m

width | 3m / 30cm (trunk)

flowering | January - March

fruiting |  April - June

Māori traditionally used the bark of this plant to weave ropes, hats, kits, and headbands. Modern attempts have been unsucessful at creating a felt-like material from it, similar to the aute used in Polynesian textiles as described by early Māori oral accounts.