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Story: Shrubs and small trees of the forest

Īnanga

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Īnanga

Needle-leaved īnanga (Dracophyllum longifolium), also known as īnaka or turpentine shrub, is the most widespread of New Zealand’s grass trees. A member of the heath family, it is found on infertile soils in a variety of locations from exposed coasts to alpine shrublands. The name ‘turpentine’ refers to its ability to burn well, even when wet.

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Landcare Research – Manaaki Whenua

by Margaret Aiken

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How to cite this page

Joanna Orwin, Shrubs and small trees of the forest – Tree dracophyllums: īnanga and neinei, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/13868/inanga (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Joanna Orwin, published 1 March 2009, updated 1 July 2015.