māhoe wao

Melicytus lanceolatus | narrow-leavedmāhoe, māhoe wao, kaiweta

A small, fast-growing tree reaching about 5 meters tall with an open form. Its distinctive down-curving, narrow, tough leaves feature small hook-like teeth along the edges. Small flowers with yellow or dark purple petals appear scattered in groups along the twigs, followed by purple fruits. Typically found at higher elevations in the North Island but extending to lowlands in the South Island, it commonly grows in open bush or along bush margins. Mahoe wāo makes a good specimen or shade tree and can also be clipped for hedging or used as a filler. It has lime green, narrow leaves ranging from 4-16cm in length and whitish bark. Its abundant nectar and purple-black berries provide a rich food source for native birds.