Melicope simplex < Species index > Melicytus ramiflorus
This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 93, #10, November 2021
November in the hills with Michele Dickson, Chris Horne
Melicope ternata, Wharangi,
Photo: Jeremy Rolfe
Origin of the botanical names
‘Melicope’ is derived from the Greek words ‘meli’ meaning ‘honey’ and ‘kope’ meaning ‘çutting’, referring to the nectary with notched glands; ‘ternata’ comes from the Latin words ‘terni’ meaning ‘three each’ and ‘folium’ meaning ‘leaf’. Wharangi is one of two members of the Melicope genus, the other being its small-leaved relative M. simplex, poataniwha. Both are in the family Rutaceae which has only three members in Aotearoa. The family includes the species of citrus we enjoy.
Distribution and habitat
Wharangi is endemic to Aotearoa. It grows in coastal to lowland forests, especially on their margins, on the Rangitāhua / Kermadec Islands, Manawatāwhi / Three Kings, Te Ika a Māui / North Island, and in northern areas of Nelson and Marlborough, Te Waipounamu / South Island.
Growth habit
Wharangi is a shrub or small tree up to 8 m tall. The trunk is up to 20 cm in diameter with finely-fissured pale brown bark. The branchlets are slender and when young are pale yellow-green. The leaves are opposite and trifoliate / three-fingered. They are on petioles / leaf stalks to ca. 5 cm long. The pale green, thinly leathery leaflets are 5-10 x 2-4 cm, have smooth wavy edges and are dotted with tiny glands. The petiolules, which join to the petiole, are up to 5 mm long. Crush a leaflet to enjoy the strong citrus-like smell.
Reproduction
the small yellowish/whitish flowers appear in clusters on branch tips in September and October on stalks / peduncles about 2 cm long. Birds and insects pollinate the flowers. The fruit appear from October to February. The seeds, ca. 5 mm long, black and glossy are eaten by birds, which spread them.
Uses
Māori used branchlets as head wreaths at tangi and chewed the gum. Early cabinet-makers used the wood for inlaying.
Where can you find wharangi?
look for it in the Tararua and Remutaka ranges and in reserves in the Wellington area.
Geography
Te Wharangi¹ is the ridge linking Makara Peak, Mt Kaukau and Rangituhi/Colonial Knob.
¹ The Great Harbour of Tara. G Leslie Adkin. Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd, 1959. pp 102-103 and maps IV, VI.
In The Hills 2021-10 < Index chronological > In The Hills 2021-12