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NZ Plants

Melicytus lanceolatus - māhoe wao, narrow-leaved māhoe

Violet family: Violaceae

Melicytus lanceolatus is a small tree distinguished by long, thin leaves with small hook-like marginal teeth. Large numbers of small but showy flowers are borne in clusters at the base of leaves.
An endemic species found at higher elevations on the North Island but descending to lowlands on the South Island.
 

Vegetative characteristics

Reproductive characteristics

Plant form: shrub up to 7 m

Flower symmetry: symmetric
 

Flower size: 5 mm diam.

Leaf form: undivided, narrow, tapering

Sepals: 5

Leaf size: 70-150 mm

Petals: 5, purple, yellow

Leaf arrangement: alternate

Sexuality: unisexual on different plants

Leaf attachment: stipules

Stamens: 5

Leaf margin: toothed

Ovary: above petals

Leaf surface: hairless

Fruit: fleshy


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