Hoheria populnea
StarHoheria populnea
Synonyms: Hoheria sinclairii, Hoheria populnea var. osborenei, Sida hoheri
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Maori healers used the mucilaginous inner bark of houhere as a soothing demulcent: the slimy infusion was applied as an eye-wash for inflamed or sore eyes and was also gargled or sipped for sore throat and chest complaints (Riley, 1994).
Botanical Description
Hoheria populnea (Malvaceae), houhere or New Zealand lacebark, is a small evergreen tree 4–10 m tall endemic to lowland and lower-montane forest of the northern North Island of New Zealand. The slender trunk and branches bear a pale, papery outer bark beneath which the inner bark separates into a delicate, lace-like network of fibres — the basis of both the Maori name and the English "lacebark". Leaves are alternate, ovate to broadly elliptic, 5–12 cm long, with coarsely serrate margins and a glossy bright-green upper surface; juvenile leaves are smaller and more deeply toothed. Profuse axillary clusters of fragrant, white, five-petalled flowers about 2 cm across appear in late summer to autumn, attracting bees and butterflies. The fruit is a winged schizocarp splitting into single-seeded mericarps.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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