houi lacebark of drier eastern hillsides
- Size
- Height: 8–12 m
- Lifespan
- 50–80 years
- Diet
- Absorbs nutrients through an extensive root system. Fast-growing and light-demanding. Thrives in open, sunny locations with well-drained, fertile soils. Found in regenerating forest, along forest margins, and in scrublands.
- Habitat
- Lowland and montane forests, scrublands, and regenerating bush. Prefers open, sunny locations with well-drained, fertile soils. Often found along forest margins, in clearings, and in scrublands. A pioneer species.
- Range
- Found throughout the South Island and southern North Island in lowland and montane forests. Most common in Nelson, Canterbury, Otago, West Coast, Wellington, and Wairarapa.
- Endemism
- Endemic
- Main Threats
- No significant threats as this species is common and widespread. Localised risks include habitat loss from land development, browsing by introduced mammals, and competition from invasive weeds.
- Population
- Houi is a fast-growing, small tree with a mass of white, star-shaped flowers in summer. Similar to its northern relative houhere (lacebark), but has larger leaves and flowers with six styles. Bark is pale and fibrous, wood is soft and light.
- Conservation Status
- Not Threatened
- Human Risk
- harmless
- Handling Note
- native broadleaf tree/shrub, safe to handle
- Conservation Note
- Endemic shrub or small tree; widespread in lowland and montane forests throughout New Zealand.
- Assessment
- NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
- Te Ao Māori
- In Māori tradition, Houi was the tree of the southern forests. Its fibrous bark was used for making cordage, nets, and traps. The bark was stripped, soaked, and beaten to separate the fibres. These were twisted into strong, durable rope. Houi was associated with the atua (spirits) of the forest. Its presence signalled a healthy, balanced ecosystem. Trees provided both food and materials for the people who lived among them.
Summer brings the white cloud. Houi transforms into a mass of white petals. It is a small, fast-growing tree reaching eight to twelve metres in height. It has a rounded crown and pale, fibrous bark that peels in long, thin strips. The leaves are dark green and toothed. The flowers are white and star-shaped. They are borne in large clusters. A tree that wears a cloud.
Houi grows in lowland and montane forests, scrublands, and regenerating bush. It prefers open, sunny locations with well-drained, fertile soils. You find it along forest margins, in clearings, and in scrublands. It colonises areas after disturbance.
This is a fast-growing, light-demanding species. It acts as a pioneer in open areas and regenerating forest. Its white flowers appear in summer. They attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The fruit is a small, dry capsule. It splits open to release tiny, winged seeds.
Houi is closely related to houhere (lacebark). But houi has larger leaves. Its flowers have six styles. Houhere has five. Houi is found in the South Island and southern North Island. Houhere is more common in the north.
To see a Houi in full flower is to see a tree transformed. The forest edge is sunny. The houi blooms. A white cloud of petals stands against the green. Sweet scent fills the air. Bees buzz. Butterflies land. The tree does not know it is a lacebark. It does not know it is a pioneer.
It just wants to be pollinated. The bark of Houi was used by Māori for making cordage, nets, and traps. The tree belongs to the southern forests. It belongs to the open places. That is where it stays.