Narrow-leaved lacebark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Narrow-leaved lacebark |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hoheria
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| Species: |
angustifolia
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The narrow-leaved lacebark, also known as narrow-leaved houhere or Hoheria angustifolia, is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the Malvaceae family, which includes plants like mallows. This tree is found only in New Zealand, meaning it's endemic there.
It's an evergreen tree or shrub, which means it keeps its leaves all year round. It has a "weeping habit," meaning its branches hang downwards, giving it a graceful look. This tree can grow up to 10 meters (about 33 feet) tall. In Māori, it's called Houhere or Houhi. People sometimes used its bark to make traditional fabrics, much like they did with another lacebark tree, Hoheria populnea.
About the Narrow-leaved Lacebark
This tree is often described as having a trunk about 30 centimeters (12 inches) wide. However, a botanist named Hugh Wilson found a much larger one. He discovered a tree in Hinewai Reserve with a trunk that was 130 centimeters (over 4 feet) wide!
What it Looks Like
The narrow-leaved lacebark has leaves that are grey-green to dark green. It produces beautiful white flowers from December to February. When the tree is young, up to about 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall, it has a special growth pattern. Its small leaves grow in a "divaricating" way, meaning they spread out in many directions.
As the tree gets older, its leaves change. The adult leaves become narrow and have rough, saw-like edges. This is why it's called the "narrow-leaved lacebark."
Where it Grows
You can find the narrow-leaved lacebark in many parts of New Zealand. It's more common in the eastern South Island. In the North Island, it grows from the Taranaki region southwards. Its distribution is wider than any other lacebark species.
Etymology
The name Hoheria comes from the Māori words houhere or hoihere. These are the local names for this type of plant.
The second part of its scientific name, Angustifolia, is a Latin word. It means 'with narrow leaves', which perfectly describes the adult leaves of this tree.
