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NZ Plants

Pseudopanax crassifolius - horoeka, lancewood

Ivy family: Araliaceae

Pseudopanax crassifolius is a small tree with two distinct growth forms. The juvenile stage which may last for 10 to 20 years has long narrow and stiff leaves which droop downwards from an unbranched stem. After this the stem thickens and branches while the leaves become shorter, broaden and soften and assume a more horizontal orientation.An endemic species commonly found in lowland to lower mountain forest and scrubland throughout New Zealand.
 

Vegetative characteristics

Reproductive characteristics

Plant form: many branched tree up to 15 m

Arrangement of parts: symmetric

Juvenile plant form: unbranched stem with leaves pointing sharply downward

Flower size: 4-6 mm diam.

Leaf form: undivided, obovate; juv linear, woody

Sepals: 5

Leaf size:  30-15cm; juv up to 1 m

Petals: 5, green

Leaf arrangement: singly along stem

Sexuality: unisexual on different plants

Leaf attachment:

Stamens: 5

Leaf margin: toothed

Ovary: below petals

Leaf surface: hairless

Fruit: fleshy


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