Miro

• The Miro, like the Matai is a conifer
• It is found throughout NZ mainly on coastlands and below 600m
• Most prolific on the volcanic Plateau thriving in the pumice soil
• Grows to 20-25m with truck diameter around 1m

Bark & Foliage

• The bark is metallic grey and as the tree gets older, thick oval flakes drop leaving hammer-like marks on the surface
• The leaves are dark green and fernlike narrowly tapering to a point but not prickly
• The young foliage is fernlike and attractive

Flowers and Fruit

• Seed cones on the female trees are mostly single up to 20mm in length
• As the seed matures it changes from plum to magenta to purple
• The Male releases pollen in spring and the fruit matures the following year
• The seeds are dispersed by bird droppings particularly the Kereru (wood pigeon)
• The berries are edible even when uncooked