Swamp Mahoe
(Melicytus micranthus)
Swamp Mahoe (Melicytus micranthus)
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naturewatchwidow
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Photo by: naturewatchwidow | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: naturewatchwidow | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-01-21T15:00:49-08:00 |












































Estimated Native Range
Summary
Melicytus micranthus, commonly known as Swamp Mahoe, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the coastal and lowland forests, as well as scrublands of New Zealand. It typically grows to a height of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). Swamp Mahoe has a compact and bushy habit with small, oval, light green leaves. The plant produces inconspicuous white flowers in the spring, which are followed by small, purple-black berries that are attractive to birds.
Swamp Mahoe is valued for its ability to thrive in damp conditions, making it suitable for planting in wet areas of the garden or in rain gardens. It is also used for revegetation projects, particularly in riparian zones. In cultivation, it prefers full shade to part shade and requires consistently moist soil with good drainage. It is relatively low maintenance and can be pruned to shape or to encourage denser growth. Swamp Mahoe is not known for significant pest or disease issues, but it can be sensitive to drought conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Swamp Mahoe is valued for its ability to thrive in damp conditions, making it suitable for planting in wet areas of the garden or in rain gardens. It is also used for revegetation projects, particularly in riparian zones. In cultivation, it prefers full shade to part shade and requires consistently moist soil with good drainage. It is relatively low maintenance and can be pruned to shape or to encourage denser growth. Swamp Mahoe is not known for significant pest or disease issues, but it can be sensitive to drought conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-10 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Shade, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Coastal and lowland forests, as well as scrublands of New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names: Manakura, Shrubby Māhoe, Small-Leaved Māhoe
Scientific Names: , Melicytus micranthus, Melicytus micranthus var. longiusculus, Elaeodendron micranthum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Melicytus micranthus Hook.fil.