Matai Tree Guides

Planting And Growing Matai Trees In NZ

Planting Matai trees and getting them to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to ensure success!

How to grow a Matai Tree

Matai trees grow best in sheltered positions with moist, well-drained soils. They are not tolerant of strong winds, so it is important to choose a planting location that is also protected from wind.

Here are some tips for planting Matai trees:

• Given their potential size, ensure there is ample space for the Matai tree to grow without obstruction.
• Prepare the planting site by removing any weeds or other vegetation.
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of your tree.
• Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and firm down gently to remove any air pockets.
• Water the plant well after planting and keep up the regime until you see the tree starting to grow.
• Mulch around the tree with bark chips or other organic matter to preserve moisture and supress weeds.
• Stake the tree so it remains sturdy and this will also help it grow straighter.
• Apply native plant fertiliser in spring across the soil surface.

With proper care, your Matai tree will thrive!

Matai trees for sale

The Plant Company has the best Matai trees for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your tree and plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!

What conditions do Matai grow in?

Matai trees, scientifically known as Prumnopitys taxifolia, are native to New Zealand and are found throughout the country's lowland forests. They favor fertile, well-drained soils and can thrive in areas with low rainfall. Matai trees are typically found in mixed-species forests, where they co-exist with other conifers and broadleaf trees.

• Matai trees prefer deep, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic pH of around 5.5 to 6.5. They can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and volcanic soils.
• Matai trees are moderately drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with annual rainfall as low as 600 mm. However, they prefer regular watering, especially during dry periods, to maintain healthy growth and prevent stress.
• Matai trees are shade-tolerant and can grow in areas with partial shade or dappled sunlight. However, they prefer full sun exposure for optimal growth and flower production.
• They can be frost-tender and prefer mild climates with temperatures ranging from around 10°C to 20°C. They can tolerate some frost, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing can damage their foliage and stems.
• Matai trees are found in a wide range of altitudes, from sea level to around 760 meters in the North Island and 300 meters in the South Island. They are most commonly found in lowland forests, but can also grow in foothills and montane forests.

• Matai trees are often found in mixed-species forests, where they co-exist with other conifers such as rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum), kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides), totara (Podocarpus totara), and miro (Prumnopitys ferruginea). They can also be found growing alongside broadleaf trees such as beech (Nothofagus fusca) and tawa (Beilschmiedia tawa).

  Matai trees are an important part of New Zealand's native flora and play a vital role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. Their ability to tolerate a range of environmental conditions and their long lifespan make them a valuable addition to any landscape.

Understanding the Matai Tree

The Matai tree is easily recognizable due to its distinctive features. It can grow up to 25 meters tall, with a trunk diameter reaching up to 1.3 metres. The tree's bark is one of its most defining characteristics. As Matai trees mature, their bark peels off in thick, flaky chunks, revealing a vibrant reddish-brown inner layer. This peeling bark can often be seen littered around the base of the tree. The leaves of the Matai tree are another point of interest. They are small, linear, and a dark green colour, offering a beautiful contrast against the lighter bark. These leaves are arranged spirally on the branches, giving the tree a lush, dense appearance.

How to Identify a Matai Tree

To identify a Matai tree, look for the unique combination of its flaky bark, small dark green leaves, and tall, straight trunk. The peeling bark, often seen in layers at the tree's base, is a significant indicator. Additionally, the tree's height and the arrangement of its branches can help differentiate it from other species.

The Matai tree undergoes several seasonal changes that can aid in identification. During the flowering season, which typically occurs in spring, the tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers. These are followed by the development of fleshy, dark purple-black fruit, which ripens in the autumn. Observing these changes can provide further clues to the tree's identity.

Matai Tree Facts

Matai trees play a crucial role in New Zealand's forest ecosystems. They provide habitat and food for various bird species, including the New Zealand pigeon, or Kererū, which feeds on the tree's fruit. The trees also contribute to the forest's structural complexity, offering shelter and nesting sites for other wildlife.

• The Matai tree holds considerable cultural value for the Māori people, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. Traditionally, the durable wood of the Matai was used for constructing canoes and buildings. Its resilience and workability made it a preferred material for crafting various tools and artifacts.
• Matai wood is prized for its hardness and fine grain. It is a popular choice for flooring, furniture, and interior joinery. The wood's durability and attractive appearance make it highly sought after in the carpentry and construction industries. Historical buildings throughout New Zealand feature Matai wood, showcasing its long-standing importance in architecture.
• In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the conservation of Matai trees. Efforts are underway to protect existing populations and regenerate areas where the trees have declined. Sustainable forestry practices are essential to ensure that the Matai tree continues to thrive for future generations.

Matai Tree Habitat and Distribution

The Matai tree is predominantly found in the lowland and montane forests of New Zealand. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soils and is commonly found alongside other native species such as the Totara and Rimu. Matai trees are more common on the North Island but can also be found in parts of the South Island, particularly in areas that offer suitable growing conditions.