Notelaea neolanceolata

Notelaea neolanceolata, commonly known as white maire, is a tree native to New Zealand.

Notelaea neolanceolata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Oleaceae
Genus:	Notelaea
Species:	N. neolanceolata
Binomial name
Notelaea neolanceolata Hong-Wa & Besnard
Synonyms[1]
Gymnelaea lanceolata (Hook.f.) L.A.S.Johnson Nestegis lanceolata (Hook.f.) L.A.S.Johnson Notelaea lanceolata (Hook.f.) Hong-Wa & Besnard, nom. illeg. Olea lanceolata Hook.f.

Notelaea neolanceolata is found from lowland to hilly forest across the North Island. In the South Island, it is uncommon, but is found in the Marlborough Sounds.^[2]

It grows to approximately 15 metres high and has long (5–12 cm), leathery and glossy leaves. Racemes of green flowers are produced in spring followed by a 1 cm long red fruit.^[3]

Uses

The wood of N. neolanceolata is one of the hardest native timbers of New Zealand. It was traditionally used by the Māori to make tools and weapons. A variety of digging sticks were made from the timber for food gathering and gardening. The wood was also used for beams in the construction of storage houses.^[4]