English: Lacebark; New Zealand mallow; Houhere.
Region: New Zealand, North Islands.
Habitat: coastal to lowland forests, by river banks, on woodland edges; prefers good, well-drained soil, moist atmosphere, maritime climate, full sun or dappled shade; succeeding in acid or alkaline soils; tolerates strong winds, except strong cold north-easterly winds.
Ecology: host of coral-spot fungus, especially after cool wet summers; resistant to honey fungus
Use: ornamental, in open clearing in a woodland garden; inner bark for a very strong fibre, for ropes, cords, traditional textiles, hats, kits, headbands, fine tapa cloth, ornamentation in basket making, bonnets; wood for cabinet making, excellent fuel; medicinal.
BotanyTree; evergreen; up to 5 to 12 metres tall; very variable; compact shrubby when young.
Stem: wood is white, very tough.
Leaves: broad, oval, with serrated margins; deeply lobed when young; entire and toothed when older; dark green; 5 to 12 cm long and 6 cm wide.
Flowers: white; flowering from January to March; attract butterflies.