narrow-leaved lacebark of northern coastal bush

Size
Height: 8–12 m
Lifespan
50–100 years
Diet
Not applicable (tree). Photosynthetic organism deriving nutrients from soil and sunlight through root system and leaf structure in dry eastern habitats.
Habitat
Lowland forests, forest margins, and stream banks. Prefers fertile, well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade. Often found in dry, eastern areas. Tolerates drought and frost.
Range
Found in South Island east of Southern Alps, from Marlborough to Otago. North Island only in south (Wairarapa and Wellington). Most common in lowland eastern sites.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance is primary threat. Browsing by introduced possums and deer. No significant pest or disease issues identified for this species.
Population
Populations are considered stable in remaining forest fragments. Species has restricted distribution but is not considered threatened. Listed as Not Threatened by NZPCN.
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 dry eastern habitats in the South Island.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, houhere (all lacebarks) were valued for fibrous inner bark. Bark was stripped. Fibres plaited into ropes for fishing nets (kupenga). Fibrous bark used for ribbons and decorative trim. Wood used for small tools. Māori experimented with making paper cloth (aute) from inner bark.
Observers note the widest natural distribution of the lacebarks. Narrow-leaved lacebark is a tree of the dry east. Grows mainly on lowland eastern sites in South Island and southern North Island. Tree of the dry side. Of the rain shadow. Of places where east wind blows. A tree that likes it dry. Juvenile form is bushy and divaricating. Tangle of wiry branches hides young tree from browsing birds. Adult tree often has column-like form. Reaches up to 12 metres. Bark peels in fibrous strips. A tree that changes as it grows. Leaves are small, narrow, and toothed. Arranged alternately along branches. Flowers are white. Appearing in summer. Covering tree in cloud of petals. Bark is the story. Peels to reveal tough, net-like fibrous layers. Used by Māori for making rope. To see a narrow-leaved lacebark is to see tree of dry east. Grows on river terraces. On forest margins. On sunny slopes. Bark peels in sun. Flowers scent air. Fibrous inner bark was stripped and plaited into ropes for fishing nets (kupenga) and other uses. Fibrous bark also used for making ribbons and decorative trim. Wood used for making small tools. Māori experimented with making paper cloth (aute) from inner bark of houhere species. Narrow-leaved lacebark is not a king. It is not a warrior. It is tree of dry east. One with peeling bark and white flowers. East wind blows. Lacebark stands. Bark peeling. White flowers scenting air. It does not know it made rope. It does not know it made paper cloth. It just wants to grow where east wind blows. Has been here for millennia. Will be here as long as east wind blows. Populations are considered stable in remaining forest fragments. Species has restricted distribution but is not considered threatened. Listed as Not Threatened by NZPCN. Threatened by ongoing habitat loss and browsing by possums. Protection of lowland forest is critical for species survival. No one told it otherwise.