Lagunaria patersonia
Common name
Norfolk Island hibiscus tree, white oak, whitewood, pyramid tree
Family
Malvaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Conservation status
Not applicable
Habitat
A commonly planted tree in coastal and lowland areas of northern New Zealand. Popular because it is very fast growing and once established wind, salt and drought tolerant. The seeds are enclosed in long hibiscus-like pods, these are covered in bristle-like hairs which can cause major irritation if they pierce the skin.
Flowering
September - April but sporadic throughout the year
Flower colours
Red/Pink
Fruiting
Present throughout the year
Year naturalised
1994 (published 1996)
Origin
Norfolk and Lord Howe Island groups. The Queensland plant long treated as a subspecies (subsp. bracteata (Benth.) P.S.Green) has recently been elevated to species rank as L. queenslandica Craven.
Reason For Introduction
Ornamental
Life Cycle Comments
Long-lived perennial tree
Reproduction
By seed - in good conditions can start to flower within four years of germination
Seed
Long-lived, forming a seed bank with seed germinating only when conditions are suitable.
Dispersal
Mainly spread by inappropriate coastal plantings, careless discard of garden clippings and down water courses near which it has been planted. The seeds are enclosed in somewhat buoyant pods.
Tolerances
Cold sensitive. Drought, wind and salt tolerant