lemonwood with leaves that smell of citrus when crushed

Size
Height: 8–12 m
Lifespan
50–100 years
Diet
Absorbs nutrients through roots. Photosynthetic. Flowers produce nectar consumed by tūī, bellbirds, and bees. Berries eaten by native birds.
Habitat
Lowland and montane forests from Northland to Stewart Island. A tree of margins and understorey, often found along stream banks, on forest edges, and in regenerating bush. Not a dominant giant. A tree of the middle, the in-between, where light filters through.
Range
Found throughout the North and South Islands, Stewart Island, and the Chatham Islands in lowland and montane forests. Most common in native forests, regenerating bush, and suburban gardens from sea level to 700 metres elevation, from Northland to Southland.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
None significant. Common throughout New Zealand in lowland forests and regenerating bush. Also a popular specimen tree in gardens and parks, valued for its distinctive appearance and fragrant foliage. Populations are secure and widely distributed.
Population
Not Threatened. Common throughout New Zealand in lowland forests and regenerating bush. A popular specimen tree in gardens and parks, valued for its distinctive appearance and fragrant foliage. Not rare – just a tree that stands out from the crowd.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
native broadleaf tree/shrub, safe to handle
Conservation Note
Endemic tree; widespread in lowland and montane forests throughout New Zealand.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
Tarata. The name is sharp, clear. In Māori tradition, Lemonwood was a tree of the forest. A source of medicine and utility. The leaves were boiled to make a steam inhalation for colds and coughs. The wood was used for tools. For handles of adzes. For frames of houses. The tree was also a marker. A place where tarata grew was a place of fresh water. Of good soil. Of a healthy forest. The tree was also used for perfume. The flowers were crushed and mixed with oil to make a fragrant scent. Worn on skin or used to scent the hair. A tree of the body. A tree of the senses. Today Lemonwood still stands in forests of New Zealand. Along edges of tracks. In regenerating bush. In gardens of cities.
You smell it before you see it. Lemonwood is the one that looks different. Even from a distance, you can pick it out. Lemonwood foliage is a distinctive yellowish-green. Not the dark green of rimu or the bright green of wineberry. But a pale, almost lime colour that catches the light. In a forest of dark greens, Lemonwood glows. What makes it special? The scent. Crush a leaf of Lemonwood between your fingers and you will know it immediately. The smell is sharp, clean, unmistakable. Lemon, citrus, a hint of something herbal. The leaves are wavy, undulating. Like they have been crimped or ruffled. Arranged alternately along branches. Thick and leathery. Not soft like wineberry. The flowers are another clue. Lemonwood produces clusters of small, cream-coloured flowers in spring. Heavily scented. A sweet, honey-like perfume that carries on the breeze. At night, the scent attracts moths. Which are the tree's primary pollinators. Flowers followed by small, woody capsules that split open to reveal sticky, black seeds surrounded by bright red, fleshy pulp. Seeds eaten by birds. Kererū, tūī, silvereye. Which carry them to new locations. The bark is dark grey and rough. Cracking into small, square plates. The trunk is usually straight and cylindrical. Reaching 10 to 15 metres in height. Not a tall tree. But it has presence. Its yellowish-green canopy stands out against the darker foliage of podocarps and broadleaf trees. The wood is light, soft, and straight-grained. Used by Māori for tools. For handles of adzes. For frames of houses. Not a strong wood. But easy to work and takes a fine polish. The tree was also used for medicine. Leaves boiled to make a steam inhalation for colds and coughs. Biologically, Lemonwood is a member of the Pittosporum family. A group known for tough, leathery leaves and fragrant flowers. One of the most widespread and recognisable members. A tree of edges and gaps. To stand under a Lemonwood is to stand under a pale green canopy. Wavy leaves. Sharp scent. Sweet flowers. Dark rough trunk. Spreading branches. Light filtering through. A tree of texture. Of scent. Of quiet distinction. Lemonwood is not a king. It is not a warrior. It is the one that stands out. The one with pale leaves and lemon scent. The one that glows in the dark forest. It has been here for millennia. It will be here as long as the forest needs a splash of light.