Hoheria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae, comprising around seven species of large shrubs and small trees native exclusively to New Zealand. Commonly known as lacebark, houhere, or ribbonwood, these plants are among the few woody mallow relatives endemic to the Southern Hemisphere.
Plants in the genus typically grow 6–10 metres tall and are mostly evergreen, though Hoheria glabrata (mountain ribbonwood) is deciduous. The leaves are serrate to dentate in margin and ovate to lanceolate in shape. Juvenile foliage often persists on young plants for several years and may display a distinctive metallic cast. In summer or autumn the plants produce large quantities of fragrant, five-petalled white flowers borne in axils on jointed peduncles; these attract butterflies. After flowering, plants set hard, dry seed capsules.
The genus name is a Latinization of the Māori word houhere, and the common name lacebark refers to the distinctive lace-like fibrous inner bark layer that has been used by Māori for weaving and binding.
Several species and hybrids are cultivated as ornamental garden plants in New Zealand and Great Britain. Hoheria sexstylosa is notably frost-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to −15 °C, while H. glabrata also has good cold tolerance. The hybrid cultivar ‘Glory of Amlwch’ (derived from H. sexstylosa) has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Etymology
The genus name Hoheria is a Latinization of houhere, the Māori name for these plants. The common name lacebark refers to the plant’s distinctive fibrous inner bark, which has a lace-like texture. The alternative common name ribbonwood is also derived from Māori tradition.
Distribution
All species of Hoheria are endemic to New Zealand, making the genus a notable example of New Zealand’s distinctive flora. Species occupy a range of habitats across both main islands, with mountain-adapted species such as H. glabrata and H. lyallii extending into subalpine zones, and H. equitum restricted to the Poor Knights Islands.
Cultivation
Several Hoheria species are grown as ornamental trees and shrubs in New Zealand and Great Britain. Hoheria sexstylosa is the most cold-tolerant, surviving temperatures to −15 °C (5 °F), making it suitable for temperate gardens outside New Zealand. Hoheria glabrata also has good frost tolerance. Numerous cultivars have been developed, and the hybrid ‘Glory of Amlwch’ (H. populnea × H. sexstylosa) has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Plants are prized for their prolific summer or autumn displays of fragrant white flowers.
Cultural Uses
The Māori name houhere reflects longstanding recognition of these trees in Māori culture. The lace-like fibrous inner bark of certain species — the feature that gives rise to the English common name lacebark — has traditionally been used for weaving, binding, and other practical purposes.
