- ≡ Rhamnus purshiana DC. (1825)
Large shrub or small tree (2)–6–7 m tall. Buds, young shoots and very young lvs with ferruginous tomentum. Petiole 1–2.5 cm long, tomentose. Lamina 5–13.5 × 3–7 cm, broad-elliptic or elliptic-obovate, ± hairy, densely hairy on the raised 12–16 pairs of veins beneath, subentire or crenulate-serrulate; base rounded or subcordate; apex mostly shortly cuspidate. Peduncles 5–35 mm long, ferruginous-tomentose; pedicels similar but shorter. Bracts to 1 mm long, subulate. Calyx c. 4 mm long, ferruginous-tomentose outside; lobes 1.3–2 mm long, triangular. Petals included, whitish; < calyx lobes; limb wider than long. Style c. 1 mm long; ovary glabrous. Fr. turbinate, black, 3-seeded.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Flowering: Jun.–Mar.