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(Lophomyrtus obcordata)
Rohutu (Lophomyrtus obcordata)
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Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Kenraiz | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Lophomyrtus_obcordata_kz2.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Lophomyrtus obcordata, commonly known as Rohutu, is an evergreen shrub native to the coastal and lowland forests of New Zealand. It can grow up to 8 meters (26 ft) tall, with a dense, bushy habit due to its many closely packed branches. The leaves are small, with a distinctive heart shape and a reddish tint when young, maturing to a dark green. Rohutu blooms with small white flowers in the summer, which are not particularly showy but are attractive to bees. Following flowering, it produces berries that change color from red to dark red to black as they mature, measuring 4–8 mm (0.16–0.31 in) in diameter, and ripening from summer to autumn. The wood of Lophomyrtus obcordata is noted for its red color and is both dense and hard.
Rohutu is valued for its dense foliage and attractive berries, making it a popular choice for ornamental hedges and screens in gardens. It is also used for revegetation projects due to its hardy nature. This shrub thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and while it prefers medium to high amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Rohutu does best in well-drained soils and can adapt to a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. There are no widely recognized cultivars, but its natural form is well-suited to cultivation. Gardeners should be aware that, in some conditions, it can be prone to root rot if drainage is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0
Rohutu is valued for its dense foliage and attractive berries, making it a popular choice for ornamental hedges and screens in gardens. It is also used for revegetation projects due to its hardy nature. This shrub thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and while it prefers medium to high amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Rohutu does best in well-drained soils and can adapt to a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. There are no widely recognized cultivars, but its natural form is well-suited to cultivation. Gardeners should be aware that, in some conditions, it can be prone to root rot if drainage is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 6-20 feet
- Width: 1.5-12 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Hedges, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Coastal and lowland forests of New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names: Tutuhi, Hjärtmyrten
Scientific Names: , Lophomyrtus obcordata, Myrtus obcordata, Eugenia obcordata,
GBIF Accepted Name: Lophomyrtus obcordata (Raoul) Burret