Whau

Whau

Entelea arborescens

New Zealand Cork Tree

LOCATION: Native to North and South Islands of New Zealand. Large trees in Te Heu Valley in Te Mata Park very obvious because of the large light green leaves, white flowers and spiky seed pods. 

DESCRIPTION: A very light wood like many-fast growing, short-lived trees.  It is not common in the wild due to browsing and habitat loss. Prefers damp areas.

CULTURE: Māori used it for floats on fishing nets.