Hoheria populnea, commonly known as Lacebark or Houhere, is an evergreen tree native to the lowland forests and coastal areas of New Zealand’s North Island, particularly from the North Cape to the Bay of Plenty. It can grow up to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with a pyramidal to rounded form. The leaves are broad, oval, and serrated, and the tree is known for its clusters of fragrant, star-shaped white flowers that bloom from late summer to autumn (January to March in its native region). The flowers are particularly showy and attract a variety of pollinators.

Lacebark is valued for its fast growth, attractive foliage, and profuse flowering. It is used in cultivation for ornamental purposes, urban planting, and as a specimen tree in parks and large gardens. It prefers well-drained soils, moderate water, and thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. While it is not known for major disease problems, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. In New Zealand, it is also planted for revegetation projects to restore native biodiversity. The bark, which peels away in fine, lace-like patterns, has historical significance for the Māori people, who used it for making ropes, hats, and headbands.CC BY-SA 4.0