Mangeao facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangeao |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Litsea
|
| Species: |
calicaris
|
 |
|
| Natural range of L. calicaris | |
The mangeao (scientific name: Litsea calicaris) is a special evergreen tree. It grows only in the North Island of New Zealand. You can find it in lowland forests from North Cape down to about 38°S latitude. This tree belongs to the Laurel family, called Lauraceae.
What Mangeao Looks Like
Mangeao is the only tree from its group, Litsea, found in New Zealand. The Litsea group has 200 to 400 different kinds of trees and shrubs. These are found in warm parts of Asia, Australia, North America, and South America.
Mangeao trees can grow up to 15 meters (about 50 feet) tall. They have smooth, dark greyish-brown bark. Their leaves are usually opposite each other on the branch. They are 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long. The leaves are oval-shaped and look bluish-green underneath.
The flowers of the mangeao are small. They grow in clusters of 4 or 5. The fruit is a small, oval-shaped berry, about 2 millimeters long. It is reddish and sits on a small disc. A very old mangeao tree, planted in 1860, was measured about 120 years later. It was 13 meters (43 feet) tall with a trunk almost a meter (3 feet) wide!
Mangeao trees are most common in the southern part of their range. You can often see them in the hills between Te Kuiti and the west coast. They also grow in the Kaimai Ranges between Katikati and Rotorua. These trees grow best in soils that come from limestone or heavy clays. They need good drainage and don't like dry conditions. Young mangeao trees are also very sensitive to frost.
How Mangeao is Used
Mangeao wood is very good quality. It is strong and flexible. The wood is white, firm, and tough, but also light. In the 1800s, people used mangeao wood for many things. They made barrels and wheels from it. It was also used for boat frames, railway carriages, and sports equipment.
Today, mangeao wood is still valued. It is used to make violins because of its special sound qualities. It's also used for the strong ribs inside kayaks. The 9th floor of the Beehive building in New Zealand's Parliament is also made with mangeao wood. The Māori people traditionally used parts of the mangeao tree for its healing properties.
Threats to Mangeao
Mangeao trees face a few dangers. One big threat is when forests are cleared for other uses. Another problem is that possums like to eat the leaves and bark of mangeao trees. This can harm the trees and stop them from growing well.
