The small-leaved Mahoe is one of the trees that is special to the wetland. It is not found anywhere else in the Wellington region and appears to be doing well, with specimens throughout the flat, boggy area.

Narrow-leaved Mahoe trees are found in healthy Kihakatea forests, and hopefully this will be that case for Waiu one day, when the Kihakatea all grow up.

The description for the small-leaved Mahoe, from the Taranaki Regional Council is as follows:

• An upright slender branching shrub or small tree, rounded crown when growing in the open, juvenile tree is open branched with slightly drooping foliage, the branches are brittle
• Long lance-like alternate leaves with serrated margins (5-16cm x 1-2cm)
• Small (5mm) flowers with five petals in clusters of 2-5, usually yellow, but vary in colour with some being red/brown on the same tree
• Dark purple berries (4-6mm in diameter) that cover the branches of the tree (the flesh of which will stain your hands purple!)
• Brownish grey bark that is faintly wrinkled

Now for some pictures…