Neomyrtus

Neomyrtus pedunculata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Myrtales
Family:	Myrtaceae
Tribe:	Myrteae
Genus:	Neomyrtus Burret
Species:	N. pedunculata
Binomial name
Neomyrtus pedunculata (Hook.f.) Allan
Synonyms
Myrtus pedunculata Hook.f. Eugenia vitis-idaea Raoul Myrtus vitis-idaea (Raoul) Druce Neomyrtus vitis-idaea (Raoul) Burret

Neomyrtus is a genus of plants in the family Myrtaceae described in 1941. It contains only one known species, Neomyrtus pedunculata, which is endemic to New Zealand with the common Māori name rōhutu. It is a small tree or shrub up to 8 metres found on both the North Island and the South Island.

Threat classification

Not threatened

Description and habitat

This slender trunked tree is found in lowland to montane forest and often is a conspicuous component of riparian podocarp forest, and in South Island grey scrubland. It is often overlooked unless in flower or fruit. The pale grey to almost silvery bark on slender trunks with open, few to many branches, are upright or spreading. Branchlets are 4 sided with opposite thick, glandular leaves that are pale green oval shaped and paler underneath. Flowers are white or cream, usually solitary, born on long slender pedicles, 10-15mm, in the axilla. Berries are round, red, yellow or orange with 1 - 7 seeds per berry.

Gallery

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  Showing branch form
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  Underside of leaves
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  Neomyrtus pedunculata tree
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  Detail of berries
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  Branchlet showing square cross section
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  Flower detail
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  Flower detail

References

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