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Scrophulariaceae
Ngaio Flower
Myoporum laetum
Coastal resilience.
- Family
- Scrophulariaceae
- Genus
- Myoporum
- Native to
- New Zealand
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- evergreen tree
- Height
- 15-30 feet
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- well-drained, adaptable
- Water
- low to moderate
- Hardiness
- 9-11
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Ngaio is one of the Maori names for this coastal tree, which is found throughout New Zealand's shorelines.
- The leaves contain a toxic compound called ngaione, which is poisonous to livestock, particularly cattle and horses.
- When held up to light, the leaves reveal numerous translucent oil glands that appear as tiny dots.
- Maori traditionally used ngaio leaves as a natural insect repellent, rubbing them on the skin.
- The fleshy reddish-purple fruits ripen in clusters and were eaten by Maori, though the leaves are toxic.
Color meanings
0
shelter
1
protection
2
endurance