If you've never heard of this bush, it's not a surprise. Melicytus flexuosus is a threatened species nationally, and it's not well known or a popular garden plant. However, it is one of the more sturdy and enduring plants to use for riparian plantings. We have found this to be a real survivor in plantings on our farm, even when growing in exposed positions.

Fresh seed, though slow to germinate, is usually the best way to grow this species. This auction is for 50 seeds collected from plants growing on private land on the West Coast. Bushes grow up to 3 m high, with barely any leaves on the spindly twigs. The species is dioecious, so when planting out seedlings it's best to plant them in groups of three to ensure male and female plants can germinate the next generation of plants

https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/melicytus-flexuosus/

The photo shows plants we collected seed from in our 2024 harvest.