Ngaio

Scientific name: Myoporum laetum

Pioneer Tree (under 10m) - native to the Wellington Region
Suits: damp, dry, partial shade, sunny, shelter, exposure, coastal forest garden, coastal and dune garden, wetlands and water features

About Ngaio

A beautiful, fast growing coastal tree, with a rough, furrowed grey trunk, often in old age becoming, gnarled and full of holes for nest buidling birds, geckos and weta. Also an older tree is great for building the kids tree house.. Tolerant of salt spray and wind makes this species one of the best choices for a coastal tree, providing, both, shelter and food for our native wildlife. Grows up to 10 meters, but often less with a dome shaped crown. The leaves a notable for its small oil glands which appear as small yellow or white speckles, making the leaf quite distinguishable from those of other shrubs. Leaves are sowmehat lethery and with small marginal teeth working their way towards the leaf tip.

New growth is glossy, dark to brown and sticky. Easily seperated from the invasive Tasmanian ngaio, where its new growth is lime green and non sticky.

The white flowers with pink spots are small, about 1 cm, but attractive and plenty making this tree in full flower stand out. Nectar is popular for our small native bees. Ripening fruit is pink or magenta colored and very popular with native birds such as tui.

Provides for birds