Matipo plants, native to New Zealand, are a versatile and attractive choice for many garden settings. Known by several common names such as Broadleaf, Narrow-leaf, Red Matipo, Mapou, and Weeping Matipo, these evergreen shrubs or small trees contribute significantly to the country’s diverse flora. Their adaptability and varied forms make them popular for a range of landscaping purposes.
Understanding Matipo Varieties and Characteristics
Two prominent Matipo varieties are Myrsine australis (Red Matipo or Broadleaf) and Myrsine divaricata (Weeping Matipo or Narrow-leaf).
Myrsine australis grows as a small shrub or tree, 3 to 6 meters tall, forming a compact crown. It features dark bark on older trunks, reddish juvenile branches, and pale green to yellowish leathery leaves (3-6 cm long, 1.5-2.5 cm wide) often with wavy margins and reddish stalks. Small, inconspicuous cream or whitish flowers (1.5-2.5 mm) cluster on branchlets, followed by dark berries (2-4 mm).
In contrast, Myrsine divaricata is a shrub or small tree (4-6 meters tall) with distinctive weeping, divaricating branchlets. Its slim trunk has rough, dark brown bark. Small, leathery leaves (5-15 mm long, 5-10 mm wide) are often heart-shaped with smooth margins, sometimes notched or with a dark base. Tiny pale yellow to reddish flowers (2-3 mm) appear singly or in small groups, leading to small, round, bright purple berries (4-5 mm).
Growing and Caring for Matipo
Matipo are hardy and adaptable, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
They adapt to various well-drained soil types, including heavy, loamy, and sandy. Myrsine australis tolerates low phosphorus, while Myrsine divaricata prefers more fertile soil. Consistent moisture benefits young plants, but established Matipo are drought tolerant. Allow soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot; Myrsine divaricata may prefer consistent humidity.
Matipo tolerates various temperatures and climates, including frost once established, making it suitable for many New Zealand regions. Myrsine divaricata is found in frost hollows, with cold sensitivity down to -8.5°C, and both varieties tolerate coastal conditions well. Pruning is minimal, focused on maintaining shape and encouraging denser growth. Trim leggy, damaged, or diseased foliage, ideally during winter dormancy, using clean, sharp tools.
Fertilize occasionally with a balanced fertilizer, especially during spring and summer for vigorous growth. High nitrogen fertilizers can boost leaf production. Dilute fertilizers to half-strength and apply to damp soil during the active growing season, reducing frequency in autumn and winter. Matipo are known for hardiness and resistance to common pests and diseases, and are less favored by grazing animals.
Landscaping Applications and Benefits
Matipo offers practical uses and aesthetic benefits in a garden or landscape. Their dense foliage and adaptable growth make them excellent for hedging and screening, providing privacy and shelter. They integrate well into native plant gardens and mixed borders, adding texture and a natural feel. As a specimen plant, their unique forms, such as the weeping habit of Myrsine divaricata or the distinctive red branchlets of Myrsine australis, can create focal points.
Beyond visual appeal, Matipo provides significant ecological value. Small berries from female plants are a food source for native birds (e.g., kererū, tūī, blackbirds), aiding seed dispersal. They also attract beneficial insects, lizards, and bees, contributing to local biodiversity. Matipo’s hardiness and early colonizing ability make it valuable for ecological restoration and revegetation, providing initial cover for less robust plants. Their low-maintenance nature further enhances their appeal for gardeners.
Propagating Matipo
Matipo can be propagated through both cuttings and seeds. Semi-hardwood cuttings are a common method, requiring consistent moisture and warmth for rooting.
Growing from seed is also effective. For Myrsine australis, fruit collection is typically September-December, as fruit ripens about a year after flowering (August-January) to a dark color. For Myrsine divaricata, fruit ripens from August to April, following flowering from June to November.
Once collected, soak fleshy fruit in water for several days to soften, then remove outer flesh by hand or by rubbing over a sieve. Sow cleaned seeds directly onto a firm seed-raising mix, cover lightly, and keep damp, warm, and shaded until germination. Seedlings typically emerge within two to three months; fresh seeds generally yield the best results.