Discaria toumatou < Species index > Dysoxylum spectabile
This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 94, # 3, April 2022
April in the hills with Michele Dickson, Chris Horne
Dracophyllum filifolium, Inanga, turpentine shrub
Photo: Jeremy Rolfe
Photo: Jeremy Rolfe
Origin of the botanical names
‘Dracophyllum’ is derived from the Greek words 'draco' for dragon and 'phyllum' for leaf; filifolium is derived from the Latin words 'filum' for thread and 'folium' for leaf. Inanga is a member of the Ericaceae family.
Distribution and habitat
Inanga is endemic to Aotearoa. It grows in lowland to montane forest, subalpine shrubland, herb fields and rocky places up to 1,500 m, from Mount Maungapohatu in Te Urewera southwards to Te Waipounamu / South Island and Rakiura / Stewart Island.
Growth habit
Inanga is a shrub or small tree up to 4 m tall with many long, slender, flexible branches. The fissured bark is dark brown to almost black. The grass-like, erect leaves are 4-20 cm long x 0.7-1.5 mm wide. The leaf margins curve upwards and have fine teeth. There are sheaths at the base of the leaves.
Reproduction
The white flowers develop in spikes, ca. 5 mm in diameter, lack stalks and are 20-30 mm long. They develop in clusters of five to nine flowers on side branches. Inanga flowers from late spring to early winter, with fruit appearing throughout the year. The fruits are smooth capsules 2–3 mm long, also lack stalks and shed seeds when the dry walls split open. The seeds are numerous, orange to orange-brown, elongate and small, about 1 mm long.
Uses
The name 'turpentine shrub' arises from its use for starting a campfire. If you know of any other uses, please tell us.
Where can you find inanga / turpentine shrub?
Te Kopahou Reserve - Wellington, East Harbour Regional Park and in the Remutaka, Tararua and Aorangi ranges
In The Hills 2022-03 < Index chronological > In The Hills 2022-05