Native seed catalogue

Myrsine australis Red maple | Māpou

This guide is based on a literature review. It compiles information from various sources. Different sources may offer varying advice and findings.

Other known names

Mataira, takapou, tīpau, tāpau, matipou, māpau.

Propagation summary

Inconsistency around germination rate. Long timeframe found between sowing to germination. Can be grown from cuttings.

Seed propagation category

Moderate.

Seed collection

Seeds take 12 months to mature.(1)

Seed dormancy

112 days to first germination.(2) Germination can take from 2 to 18 months.(1)

Seed viability

92% of seeds are viable.(3)

Germination

Germination rate of 4% after 12 weeks stratification.(3) 171 days to first germination using dry-treated seeds with a germination rate of 100% after 16 days.(2)

Pre-sowing treatments

Pericarp (fruit) needs removing.(2) Cold stratification at 5°C for at least 12 weeks.(3) Cool-moist stratification for 2-3 months.(1) Stratification is the process of chilling seeds to promote germination.

Propagation techniques

Germinate in cool to moderate conditions.(1) Germination rate was lowered in the dark (42%).(2) Can be propagated from semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings.(1)

Research opportunities

Germination, seed storage, and vegetative propagation needs further investigation.

Information about the native seed profiles

All species names are in the following order: scientific name, common name, and Māori name. Names may vary by region. We have tried to use the most common names across New Zealand.

We have sourced photos from different websites and creators. We have used the images under different licences. These include Public Domain and Creative Commons licenses. For Myrsine australis, the image details are:

The basis for each seed profile is a literature review carried out by Scion. Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service commissioned and worked on the review to produce a native seed catalogue. The full seed catalogue is on the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website.

Native afforestation research programme: Seed propagation catalogue

References

1.

Metcalf, L J (1995) The propagation of New Zealand native plants. Godwit; Auckland, New Zealand. 

2.

Burrows, C J (1996) Germination behaviour of the seeds of the New Zealand woody species: Coprosma foetidissima, Freycinetia baueriana, Hoheria angustifolia, and Myrsine australis. New Zealand Journal of Botany 34 499-508.

3.

Mackay, A C; McGill, C R; Fountain, D W; Southward, R C (2002) Seed dormancy and germination of a panel of New Zealand plants suitable for re-vegetation. New Zealand Journal of Botany 40(3) 373-382.

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