Matipo

Encyclopedia : M : MA : MAT : Matipo

Matipo (or Māpou in Māori) are New Zealand native members of the Myrsine genus. The leathery, evergreen leaves are simple and alternate, with smooth margins and without stipules. The one-seeded, indehiscent fruit is a thin-fleshed globose drupe. The flowers and fruits often do not develop till after leaf fall and thus appear naked on the branches. The fruits often do not mature until the year after flowering. The calyx and style are long persistent.

The formerly recognised native species in the genera Rapanea and Suttonia have now been renamed to Myrsine. Also note that "Black Matipo" is actually Pittosporum tenuifolium.

In addition to the New Zealand Myrsine species, there are dozens of species found in this genus elsewhere in the world. Some species, especially M. africana, are grown as ornamental shrubs. In the USA members of this genus are known as colicwood.

References

[Ngā Tipu Aotearoa] - Most recent taxonomy (only of NZ species).

[Flora of New Zealand] - Good background information, but the taxonomy is out of date.

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