mountain neinei
about.
Dracophyllum traversii | mountain neinei, grass tree, pineapple tree
This rather architectural tree, typically reaching over 10m in the wild, is characterised by its dramatic candelabra growth habit. It features long, strap-like leaves, 4-5 cm wide, often with subtle red-tinged edges, forming distinctive clumps at branch tips. Commonly found in New Zealand's subalpine and montane regions, this temperamental tree is in limited supply, but can occasionaly be found at specialist nurseries. It requires well-draining yet consistently moist soil and exhibits very slow growth, even under ideal conditions.
typical habitat.
subalpine scrub
subalpine forest
alpine
drainage.
moist,
well drained
sun.
full sun
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 10m
width | 3m / 60cm (trunk)
pollinators calendar.
flowering | October–February
fruiting | December-May
did you know?
Mountain neinei holds the record as New Zealand's longest-living small indigenous tree, with some specimens documented to be between 500 and 600 years old.