Story: Shrubs and small trees of the forest

Mountain neinei

Mountain neinei

One of the most arresting sights in New Zealand’s forests is a grove of mountain neinei (Dracophyllum traversii). Found near the treeline on wet mountains of the northern North Island and in north-west Nelson, they are the largest of the grass trees. Tufts of long leaves grow at the ends of spreading branches and are often red-tinged. In summer, mountain neinei grows pineapple-shaped spike flowers at the ends of its leafy branches.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10050007
Photograph by B. Smith

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How to cite this page:

Joanna Orwin, 'Shrubs and small trees of the forest - Tree dracophyllums: īnanga and neinei', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13872/mountain-neinei (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Joanna Orwin, published 24 Sep 2007, updated 1 Jul 2015