Herb: Lacebark


Latin name: Hoheria populnea


Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)



Medicinal use of Lacebark:

Demulcent, ophthalmic.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Tree

Height:
5 m
(16 feet)

Flowering:
August to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Coastal to lowland forests, by river banks and on woodland edges in North Islands south to latitude 38°s.

Other uses of Lacebark:

A very strong fibre is obtained from the inner bark. It is used for making ropes, cord etc. The fibre is also used as ornamentation in basket making and for bonnets etc. Wood - white, very tough. Used by cabinet makers, it also makes an excellent fuel.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates freely. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a shady position in a frame. The cuttings should be put in 12cm pots. A fair to good percentage. Layering in April. Takes 12 months.

Cultivation of Lacebark:

Coastal to lowland forests, by river banks and on woodland edges in North Islands south to latitude 38°s.

Known hazards of Hoheria populnea:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.