New zealand manatoka (Myoporum laetum, Fl. Ins. Austr.: 44 (1786))

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Author: G.Forst.

Bibliography: Fl. Ins. Austr.: 44 (1786)

Year: 1786

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Myoporum

Vegetable: False

Observations: New Zealand

Description

The New Zealand manatoka, known scientifically as Myoporum laetum, is a notable plant species belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. First described in the literature “Fl. Ins. Austr.” by G. Forst. in 1786, this species has garnered attention for its distinctive characteristics and origins.

Endemic to New Zealand, Myoporum laetum thrives in a variety of environments across the region. It is often appreciated for its glossy, evergreen foliage and its delicate, white, tubular flowers that typically bloom during the warmer months. The leaves, lanceolate in shape, not only provide aesthetic value but also emit a faint, pleasant aroma when crushed, adding an olfactory experience to its visual appeal.

The plant structure of the New Zealand manatoka is relatively robust, typically forming dense bushes that can serve as excellent windbreaks or hedges in gardens and landscapes. This resilience and versatility make it a popular choice among horticulturalists and gardeners looking for reliable, attractive vegetation to enhance their outdoor spaces.

In its native habitat, Myoporum laetum plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing shelter and food for various wildlife species. Its adaptability to different soil types and conditions further underscores its ecological importance, enabling it to flourish in coastal regions as well as inland territories.

Despite its many benefits, it is important to note that the New Zealand manatoka contains compounds that can be toxic if ingested, posing a risk to livestock and pets. Therefore, careful consideration and management are recommended when cultivating this plant in residential or agricultural areas.

Overall, the New Zealand manatoka stands out not only for its beauty and utility but also for its historical and ecological significance. As a species with deep roots in New Zealand’s natural heritage, it continues to be a subject of interest and admiration in both botanical and ecological studies.

Common Names

Spa: brillante
Deu: freudige drüsenpflanze
Eng: new zealand manatoka, ngaio tree
Afr: nieu-seelandse manatoka
En: New Zealand manatoka, Ngaio tree, Dotted-leaf Manatoka, Ngaio, Ngaio-Tree, Mousehole tree
Af: Nieu-Seelandse manatoka
Fi: Tahmarasterikki
De: Freudige Drüsenpflanze
Mi: Ngaio
Pt: Mióporo
Ru: Миопорум яркий
Es: Gandul, Gandula, Mióporo, Siempreverde., Brillante

Synonyms

• Myoporum crystallinum (Kunze)
• Myoporum perforatum (Voss)
• Myoporum pubescens (G.Forst.)

Distribution

• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Chatham Is. (introduced)
• Corse (introduced)
• East Aegean Is. (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Namibia (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Pierre Lbt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2020 by Akrichen Kioll (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2020 by Suso Hari (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Davide de luca Picione (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 29, 2022 by Thierry Moens (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 15, 2014 by EOL − John Barkla (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 3, 2014 by EOL − zealandia2 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 28, 2014 by EOL − zealandia2 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 8, 2014 by EOL − John Barkla (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 29, 2016 by EOL − quanwei (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Feb 28, 2022 by ghislaine marino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2019 by mouna kettani socrate (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2022 by Arturo Oradini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2020 by you lias (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2020 by lamri ketfi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 25, 2020 by Varvasini Laureano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2021 by Espinoza-Zevallos Marco Elías (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2022 by Roberto Sacristan (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2019 by Catherine Philipona (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2021 by Rabadan Pablo M (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 25, 2016 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Walnut Gabe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2012 by EOL − Jon Sullivan (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 7, 2012 by EOL − David Eickhoff (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Pedro Estevão (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 12, 2020 by Tapia Miguel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2021 by Espinoza-Zevallos Marco Elías (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172657)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:585291-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Myoporum laetum G. Forst.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth