A graceful forest tree which is fast growing. It thrives on forest margins or disturbed sites.
It has distinctive serrated leathery leaves and small, white, scented flowers produced in late summer.
Māori used the lace-like inner bark for fine, decorative weaving onkete, headbands, and trim on hats and cloaks. Theouter bark can be twisted and plaited into ropes.
The bark, leaves and flowers were also used in early medicine. Soaking the bark for several days resulted in a thick jellyused for soothing weak or tired eyes, and an infusion of the inner bark was good for burned skin. The inner bark wasalso used to wrap around anewbornbaby.