Nestegis
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 Nestegis cunninghamii, (Black maire), New Zealand
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Nestegis is a Pacific region genus of 5 species of evergreen trees or shrubs in the Oleaceae family, mainly endemic to New Zealand. However one species is shared with Norfolk Island, and another is endemic to Hawai'i. The name Nestegis derives from the Greek prefix ne- (not) and stegasma (a cover), in allusion to the lack of a corolla in the type species, (Nestegis apetala).
[edit] Description
Nestegis species are evergreen trees or shrubs. The leaves are opposite, simple, entire, and coriaceous. The inflorescence is axillary, decussate, sometimes terminal and somewhat paniculate. The flowers are either bisexual or functionally unisexual. The corolla is either absent or four-lobed with a short tube. The are two or four stamens. The ovary is shaped like a flask. The fruit is a drupe containing a single seed.
[edit] Species
- Nestegis apetala, New Zealand (Coastal maire or Broad-leaved maire), Norfolk Island (Ironwood)
- Nestegis cunninghamii, (Black maire), New Zealand
- Nestegis lanceolata, (White maire), New Zealand
- Nestegis montana, (Narrow-leaved maire), New Zealand
- Nestegis sandwicensis, (Olopua, Pua, Ulupua), Hawai'i
[edit] References
- Nestegis. Flora of Australia Online. Retrieved on 2007-07-24.
- Salmon J T, The Native Trees of New Zealand, AH & AW Reed, Wellington, New Zealand, 1973. ISBN 0-589-01340-8
