Entelea arborescens Whau
Leaves 10-24 cm long rounded with small hairs.
North Cape to Raglan near the coast. And local to Nelson.
Distinguishing feature: large rounded leaves with small tough hairs.
This small tree with its large leaves and yellow/white flowers creates a tropical feel in northern coastal gardens. Whau has one of the worlds lightest woods, much like Balsa. Pre-european Maori used the wood as floaters on their fish nets.
It is quick growing and can be 3 m. tall in a year or two. The seed capsules are an interesting feature and hold up to 100 seeds.
Sow the seeds finely and germination should begin in a month or two.
