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Fast growing the common Ngaio grows to three metres within ten years up to a maximum of 8 - 10m. An attractive tree form, with a rounded top and well spread branches, it may also grow as a low shrub depending on conditions. M. laetum trunks tend towards maximum at 30cm diameter and are covered with thick mid-brown porous bark. As they grow older the trunks become gnarly and nobbled.
The fleshy leaves are deep green with a glossy upper surface. They are spotted all over with small clear dots which can be seen when the leaf is held to the light. Delicate five-petalled trumpet-shaped white flowers with purple dots bloom from October to January. By December through June the pinkish-purple fruit ripens, hanging in small clusters. Each fruit contains a four-segmented nut within the fleshy outer, and each segment contains a single seed.
Ngaio is found throughout the country from the Three Kings to just south of Dunedin, and on the Chatham Islands, although in some southern districts it can be quite uncommon or specifically local. Ngaio can sometimes be found growing quite close to the high tide mark, making it useful in exposed coastal situations where it can act as shelter for less salt and wind tolerant species. It is common in seaboard forests and on shoreline cliffs, but also does well in steep inland gullies as much as 50km from the coast and up to 400m altitude.
An insistent lover of good light, Ngaio tolerates most well-drained soils. Exceptionally dry conditions may damage the crown but it will come away again in spring. Young Ngaio are frost-sensitive, but established trees are reasonably frost hardy. Ngaio is a hardy, fast growing tree often used successfully as a most attractive motorway tree, providing colourful foliage to the streetside. It’s happy to be trimmed and flourishes after pruning so it also makes good hedging.
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