Rangiora
Rangiora is a shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It can grow up to 3-4 meters in height. The leaves are large, broad, and deeply lobed, with a velvety texture and a greyish-green colour.
What to know before you plant
The essentials — how big it gets, how fast it grows, and where it sits in the forest.
Mature height (m)
Mature spread (m)
Successional stage
Form
Mature DBH (cm)
Description
Rangiora, also known as Brachyglottis repanda, is a shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It can grow up to 3-4 meters in height. The leaves are large, broad, and deeply lobed, with a velvety texture and a greyish-green colour.
Habitat
Rangiora is found in a variety of habitats throughout New Zealand, including coastal areas, wetlands, and open spaces. It tolerates a range of soil conditions and is often found in disturbed areas.
Cultural Importance
Rangiora has cultural significance to Māori. The leaves were used for weaving, and the plant has traditional medicinal uses, such as treating skin conditions and stomach ailments.
Ecological Role
Rangiora provides habitat and food for native insects, birds, and other wildlife. Its deep root system helps stabilise soil and prevent erosion in coastal and riparian areas.
Associated Birds
Grey Warbler: Tiny birds with a melodious song, commonly found in Rangiora forests. They forage for insects among the tree's foliage and build delicate nests on its branches.
New Zealand Falcon: A medium-sized raptor known for its agility and hunting skills. Falcons may perch on Rangiora trees while scanning the surroundings for prey.
Fantail: Agile birds known for their distinctive fan-shaped tail and acrobatic flight. They can often be spotted in Rangiora trees, where they hunt insects by fluttering and flicking their tail.
Tūī: Medium-sized honeyeaters with a unique white throat tuft. Tūī are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers of Rangiora trees, where they feed on the sweet nectar and also consume insects and fruits.
Whitehead: Small songbirds with a compact body and vibrant plumage. They may forage for insects and search for food among the branches and foliage of Rangiora trees.
Conservation Status
Rangiora is not currently listed as a threatened species. However, local populations can be affected by habitat loss and invasive species.
Interesting Facts
- Rangiora is a pioneer species, meaning it is one of the first plants to colonise and regenerate disturbed areas.
- The plant produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that attract pollinators.
Conservation Tips
To support the conservation of Rangiora and other native plants, you can avoid removing mature specimens unless necessary, participate in local restoration projects, and promote the use of native plants in landscaping.
Growing conditions
Moisture
Soil
Drainage
Frost tolerance
Wind tolerance
Coastal tolerance
What this tree gives back
Food for native birds
Fruit, seeds or nectar that feed native birds.
Supports pollinators
Flowers that sustain native bees and insects.
Erosion control
Roots that bind soil and hold slopes together.
Suits riparian planting
Thrives along stream and river margins.
Suits wetland planting
Handles the wet ground of wetland sites.
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