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NZ Plants

Entelea arborescens - whau

Mallow family: Malvaceae

Entelea arborescens is a small fast growing shrub characterised by very large, soft, heart-shaped leaves. Masses of creamy-white flowers are followed by long-lasting spiny capsules. Found mostly in the upper half of the North Island and in a few locations in the upper half of of the South Island, preferring open areas.
An endemic genus with one species.

Vegetative characteristics

Reproductive characteristics

Plant form: shrub up to 6 m

Arrangement of parts: symmetric
 

Flower size: 20-50 mm diam.

Leaf form: undivided, heart-shaped

Sepals: 4-5

Leaf size: 10-20 cm

Petals: 4-5, white

Leaf arrangement: singly along stem

Sexuality: bisexual

Leaf attachment: stipule

Stamens: numerous

Leaf margin: toothed

Ovary: above

Leaf surface: hairs

Fruit: dry


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