Lacebark
Hoheria populnea
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
Hoheria populnea is an evergreen Tree growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 5
Where it is found
Coastal to lowland forests, by river banks and on woodland edges in North Islands south to latitude 38°s.
New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
Demulcent, ophthalmic.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Other
Rating: 2
A very strong fibre is obtained from the inner bark. It is used for making ropes, cord etc. The fibre is also used as ornamentation in basket making and for bonnets etc. Wood - white, very tough. Used by cabinet makers, it also makes an excellent fuel.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Grows in any good, well-drained soil. Requires a position in full sun or dappled shade, succeeding in acid or alkaline soils. Plants grown in a soil that is overly rich produce a lot of sappy growth that is more susceptible to frost damage. Withstands strong winds but is best if given protection from cold north-easterly winds. Another report says that it requires a position sheltered from strong winds. Prefers a moist atmosphere. Prefers a maritime climate. Plants grow best in an open clearing in a woodland garden. A very ornamental plant, it is only hardy in the milder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c. Plants are prone to damage at temperatures lower than -5°c. A very variable plant, leaves of young plants are often deeply lobed but on older plants they are more or less entire and toothed. Juvenile plants also have a compact shrubby habit, quite unlike the mature plant. There are some named forms selected for their ornamental value. Plants are subject to attacks by the coral-spot fungus, especially after cool wet summers. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. A good butterfly plant.
Propagating it: Seed - sow autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates freely. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a shady position in a frame. The cuttings should be put in 12cm pots. A fair to good percentage. Layering in April. Takes 12 months.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist