Ribbonwood (Hoheria sexstylosa)

Family: Malvaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Hoheria sexstylosa is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Inner bark. A famine food, it is only used in times of scarcity. No more details are given but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread. — A famine food, it is only used in times of scarcity.; No more details are given but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread.

Habitat & North American Range

Lowland to lower montane forests, especially marginally, in North and South Islands from latitude 36° 30' and southwards. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)