Sign In 
Get Premium Weeping Matipo
(Myrsine divaricata)
Weeping Matipo (Myrsine divaricata)
/
/
John Barkla
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
John Barkla
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Barkla | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: John Barkla | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-02-25T12:07:05-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Myrsine divaricata, commonly known as Weeping Matipo, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the coastal forests, scrublands, and stream margins of New Zealand, including the Antipodean Islands. It typically grows to a height of 3-5 meters with a spreading, divaricating form that creates a dense, tangled appearance. The leaves are small, glossy, and dark green, contributing to its lush texture. The inconspicuous yellow to reddish flowers, borne singly or in small clusters, appear in spring and are followed by small, purple fruits that are occasionally white, which can attract birds and other wildlife.
Weeping Matipo is valued for its unique form and dense foliage, making it an excellent choice for creating textural contrast in gardens. It is suitable for use as a specimen plant, in mixed shrub borders, or as informal hedging. This species is relatively easy to maintain, tolerating a range of conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils and can be grown in full sun to part shade. It is also known for its resilience to coastal conditions, including salt spray. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to scale insects and sooty mold.CC BY-SA 4.0
Weeping Matipo is valued for its unique form and dense foliage, making it an excellent choice for creating textural contrast in gardens. It is suitable for use as a specimen plant, in mixed shrub borders, or as informal hedging. This species is relatively easy to maintain, tolerating a range of conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils and can be grown in full sun to part shade. It is also known for its resilience to coastal conditions, including salt spray. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to scale insects and sooty mold.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Cream
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Coastal forests, scrublands, and stream margins of New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names: Weeping Māpou
Scientific Names: , Myrsine divaricata, Suttonia divaricata, Rapanea divaricata, Myrsine pendula,
GBIF Accepted Name: Myrsine divaricata A.Cunn.