About Melicytus ramiflorus J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
Melicytus ramiflorus, commonly called hinahina, māhoe, and whitey wood, is a small tree species in the Violaceae family. It is endemic to New Zealand. It can grow up to 10 metres tall, with a trunk reaching up to 60 cm in diameter. This tree has smooth, light-coloured bark and brittle twigs. Its dark green alternate leaves are 5 to 15 cm long and 3 to 5 cm wide, with finely serrated edges; this serration is less noticeable on younger plants. Melicytus ramiflorus is dioecious. Its small yellowish flowers are 3 to 4 mm in diameter, grow in fascicles, and emerge directly from bare twigs. When ripe, its berries are a distinct violet colour, roughly spherical, and 3 to 4 mm in diameter. Flowering takes place from late spring through summer, and berries develop later in summer and into autumn. The berries are eaten by several native New Zealand birds, including kererū and tūī. Geckos of the genus Naultinus have also been observed eating these berries to supplement their mostly insect-based diet. This tree also acts as a host species for caterpillars of Austramathes purpurea, a moth endemic to New Zealand. Melicytus ramiflorus is widespread across all lower-altitude forests in New Zealand, and is often found in areas of regenerating forest. The lichen Pyrenula moniliformis has only been recorded growing on Melicytus ramiflorus trees located in the Auckland Region of New Zealand.
