Matipo

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Matipo
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Ericales Family: Myrsinaceae Genus: Myrsine L.
Species
See text.

Matipo (or Māpou in Māori) are New Zealand native members of the Myrsine genus. The leathery, evergreen leaves are simple and alternate, with smooth margins and without stipules. The one-seeded, indehiscent fruit is a thin-fleshed globose drupe. The flowers and fruits often do not develop till after leaf fall and thus appear naked on the branches. The fruits often do not mature until the year after flowering. The calyx and style are long persistent.

The formerly recognised native species in the genera Rapanea and Suttonia have now been renamed to Myrsine. Also note that "Black Matipo" is actually Pittosporum tenuifolium.

In addition to the New Zealand Myrsine species, there are dozens of species found in this genus elsewhere in the world. Some species, especially M. africana, are grown as ornamental shrubs. In the USA members of this genus are known as colicwood.

[edit] Species

• Myrsine aquilonia
• Myrsine argentea
• Myrsine australis
• Myrsine brachyclada
• Myrsine chathamica
• Myrsine coxii
• Myrsine divaricata
• Myrsine kermadecensis
• Myrsine neo-zealandensiss = M. montana
• Myrsine nummularia
• Myrsine oliveri
• Myrsine salicina
• Myrsine umbricola

[edit] References

• Ngā Tipu Aotearoa - Most recent taxonomy (only of NZ species).
• Flora of New Zealand - Good background information, but the taxonomy is out of date.