Neinei

Neinei, Dracophyllum Latiforium

Neinei can also be referred to as grass trees. New Zealand has 35 indigenous Dracophyllum species.

Where Neinei is found

Neinei tends to be higher up on the ridges in the Tangihua’s. They can be seen on the Horokaka track. They range from Mangonui to North Taranaki.

About Neinei

Neinei trees look a bit like the Doctor Suess drawings of trees. They have tall spindly trunks with spindly branches ending in tufts of leaves which are also long and spindly.

The leaves are 25-60cm long by 2.5-4cm wide, shiny on top, with minute serrations at the margins. They can be green or sometimes reddish.

The reddish is due to anthocyanins (the pigments that give red, purple, and blue plants their rich coloring) allowing the tree to absorb green light and may protect the plant, normally a sub canopy species, from stronger sunlight.

The trunks are grooved with smooth, dark brown to almost black branches. These branches come off quite a distance apart

Flowers

The Neinei flowers in and has a flower panicle which is terminal on the branches, up to 30cm and sometoinmes45cm long.

Role in the forest

Neinei are pollinated at night by moths and the leaves proved food and habitat for a wide range of caterpillars.

Significance to Maori

Neinei was used for walking sticks and weaving. Neinei could be woven to make very fine quality clothes.