Narrow-leaved Lacebark

Hoheria angustifolia, a New Zealand native.

These flowers are on one of the three lacebarks I brought from my city garden. They had come up close together. I dug them up in a clump and put them in a bucket, where they remained for more than a year. When I found a suitable spot for one I found that they had become inseparable. I planted them together. Although the trunks have leaned away from each other a little they appear as one tree. At this time of the season they are covered with small white flowers.

Lacebarks are so called because of a lacy network of fibres under the surface of the bark. There are five different species. I also have a long-leaved lacebark. Interestingly, they belong to the Malvaceae family, which includes Abutilon, Hibiscus, mallows and cotton.

My son was surprised at all the birthday greetings sent to him yesterday and he says "cheers." Thank you all from me.