māpou

Myrsine australis | māpou, red mapou, red matipo, mapau, red maple

A striking evergreen that develops into a large shrub or tree, distinguished by its red branchlets and wavy-edged yellow-green leaves, similar in appearance to Pittosporum tenuifolium. Clusters of white flowers appear below the leaves, followed by black fruit. Ideal as a specimen, for shrub borders, or as a hedge. Protect from frost when young.