Hoheria glabrata Sprague & Summerh.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

Hoheria glabrata, commonly called mountain lacebark or ribbonwood, is a species of flowering plant in the Malvaceae family.

Endemic Range

It is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand.

Growth Form and Size

It is one of the few deciduous trees native to New Zealand, growing up to 10 m (33 ft) tall.

Foliage and Flowering

It produces green leaves that turn yellow in autumn, and bears white flowers that bloom around January.

Habitat

It is mainly found in wetter areas of the mountainous regions of the South Island.

Distinctive Leaf Features

Its leaves have toothed margins and a distinctive heart shape, a feature that distinguishes it from the very similar Hoheria lyallii.

Branching Structure

H. glabrata is a small tree that often grows multiple branches from its base, though this is not always the case.

Traditional Use

Māori of the South Island likely used the bark of both Hoheria glabrata and Hoheria lyallii—collectively called houi in Māori—to make textiles.