Nestegis cunninghamii

RHS Plant Profile
black maire

Other common names

large-leaved maire

Trees

A slow-growing evergreen tree, to 20m high in its native environment but usually smaller in cultivation. It has rough, corky bark and dark green, wavy leaves to 30cm long that are narrow when young but broader when mature. Clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers are produced in the leaf axils in late spring, followed by green berries that slowly ripen to red

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Oleaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright, Spreading branched
Genus
A genus of five species of evergreen trees or shrubs, three of which are native to New Zealand, one to Hawaii and the other to New Zealand and Norfolk Island. They have solid, strong bark and bright green foliage, sometimes narrow and olive-leaf like, and small white flowers followed by red fruit containing a single seed
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in deep, rich, well-drained soil. A handsome specimen tree for warmer regions

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus