Melicytus spp.

mahoe

Violaceae

New Zealand, eastern Australia, and the Pacific

Attracts Pollinators Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–10

Overview

Melicytus spp. is a genus of about ten to twelve evergreen shrubs and small trees in the violet family (Violaceae), native to New Zealand, eastern Australia, and some Pacific islands. The most familiar species is M. ramiflorus, mahoe or whiteywood, a fast-growing small tree to 30 ft (10 m) with brittle, white wood and pale, blotched bark. Other members are low, tangled, divaricating shrubs with interlaced wiry branches, an adaptation common in the New Zealand flora. The alternate leaves are oval to lance-shaped and bluntly toothed, mid- to dark green. Small greenish to yellow flowers, often fragrant, cluster directly on the older stems and branches in spring and summer; most species are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Female plants carry rounded berries that ripen through violet to deep purple or near black, eaten and spread by birds. The genus grows in forest, forest margins, and scrub, from coast to mountains. Plants take sun to part shade on moist, well-drained soils and tolerate wind and coastal exposure, but most have only light frost tolerance. Mahoe regrows readily from cut stumps, while the divaricating species are slow and wiry.

Native Range

Melicytus spp. is native to New Zealand, southeastern Australia, Norfolk Island, Fiji, and other Pacific islands. M. ramiflorus is one of the commonest small trees in New Zealand lowland and coastal forest.

Suggested Uses

Grown as shelter, screening, and revegetation plants in native and coastal gardens across New Zealand and mild parts of Australia. Mahoe is used for quick shelter and as a frame for forest restoration, while divaricating species suit textural and habitat plantings. The berries and dense growth support native birds.

How to Identify

Look for an evergreen shrub or small tree with alternate, bluntly toothed leaves and small greenish-yellow flowers borne in clusters directly on the older wood. Female plants ripen rounded berries from violet to deep purple. Mahoe is recognized by its white, brittle wood and pale blotched bark, while alpine species form dense, interlaced, divaricating shrubs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 33'

Width/Spread3' - 20'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering is mainly in spring and summer, with small greenish to yellow flowers, often sweetly scented, clustered along the older branches. The flowers draw bees, flies, and other insects, and separate male and female plants are needed for fruit. Berries ripen from late summer into autumn, turning violet to purple-black.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

greenish to yellow

Foliage Description

mid to dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-9 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-8 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Melicytus spp. species grow in sun to part shade on moist, well-drained soils and tolerate wind, salt spray, and coastal sites. Mahoe is fast-growing and establishes quickly in open or disturbed ground, while the divaricating shrubs are slow and dense. Steady moisture suits most species, though established plants handle short dry spells. Frost tolerance is generally low to moderate, limiting the genus to mild and coastal climates. Plants are raised from fresh seed, which birds help clean and distribute, or from cuttings. Both male and female plants are needed for berries, as the species are dioecious.

Pruning

Mahoe and other tree species are pruned in the warm season to shape the crown and remove brittle, damaged, or crossing wood. They resprout readily from cut stumps and tolerate hedging. Divaricating shrubs need little pruning beyond removing dead stems from the tangle.