Description
Entelea arborescens, commonly known as whau, is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub or small tree native to New Zealand, reaching up to 6 meters tall. It thrives in coastal and lowland forests, particularly in disturbed areas. The tree features large, soft, bright green, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. In spring and summer, it produces clusters of delicate, white, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators, followed by spiky, woody seed capsules. Entelea arborescens has the lightest wood of any native New Zealand tree and was traditionally used by Māori for making floats and crafts. It is valued in ecological restoration and native gardens.
