About Nestegis lanceolata (Hook.f.) L.A.S.Johnson
Nestegis lanceolata (Hook.f.) L.A.S.Johnson, also synonymized as Notelaea neolanceolata, is a tree native to New Zealand, and it is commonly called white maire. This tree occurs from lowland to hilly forest across New Zealand’s North Island. In the South Island, it is an uncommon species, found only in the Marlborough Sounds. It grows to roughly 15 metres tall, and produces long, leathery, glossy leaves that measure 5 to 12 centimetres in length. In spring, it forms racemes of green flowers, which are followed by a 1 centimetre long red fruit. The wood of this species is one of the hardest native timbers native to New Zealand. Māori traditionally used this wood to make tools and weapons. Digging sticks for food gathering and gardening were commonly made from its timber, and the wood was also used as beams when building storage houses.
