Pseudopanax crassifolius
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| Pseudopanax crassifolius |
Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood) is a New Zealand native tree belonging to the family Araliaceae. It is found throughout New Zealand from sea level up to about 750 m. The juvenile form, which lasts for about twenty years, is very easily recognized. The leaves are stiff and leathery with a prominent central rib, about 1 cm wide and up to 80 cm long with irregular teeth, all growing downwards from a central stem. The young trunk has characteristic vertical swollen ridges. As the tree gets older the stem begins to branch producing a bushy top, and the leaves become wider and shorter, losing their teeth. It is only when the tree is mature that it adopts a typical tree shape.
Closely related is Pseudopanax ferox, the Toothed Lancewood. It is similar to P. crassifolius except the leaves are more abundant and severely toothed, resembling a bandsaw blade.
One of the theories about this curious change of appearance is that the young plant had to protect itself against browsing by the moa, the giant flightless bird that roamed New Zealand's bush until 300 to 350 years ago. Once above moa height, it was out of danger and turns into a "regular" tree.
