This large shrub to small tree is upright with ascending reddish branches that form a dense pyramidal habit. It has light green oblong leaves with wavy margins and produces tiny male and female cup-shaped flowers in clusters during late spring.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10

Myrsine australisis naturally found in New Zealand growing on the North and South Island and extending to Stewart Island appearing from sea level to an altitude of 900m (3,000ft) in lowland scrub and along forest margins.

It prefers a most well drained fertile moist soil in a sunny protected position but will tolerate some shade and is drought tender but light frost tolerant.

Matipou is grown for its foliage and its bushy habit. It is planted along shrub borders for screening or as a specimen in small gardens. It is suitable for protected coastal or low mountain regions establishing in 2 to 3 years. It is also planted in courtyards as a small tree or used in commercial sites. The foliage of 'McKenzie's Gold' is used in the floristry industry. ID 2854

Note:
This plant may only be available in New Zealand.

Myrsine(mir-SEN-e) australis(aw-STRA-les)

Myrsinaceae(MER-sin-AY-see-ee)