Lophomyrtus bullata: The Ramarama of New Zealand

Introduction to Lophomyrtus bullata

Lophomyrtus bullata, commonly known as ramarama or pukatea in Māori tradition, is a captivating evergreen shrub native to the forests of New Zealand. This remarkable plant belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is endemic to the country, meaning it grows naturally nowhere else on Earth. Its most striking feature is its distinctively puckered, bullate leaves, which give the species both its scientific name and an unmistakable visual character that sets it apart from virtually every other shrub in the botanical world.

The species occupies a special place in New Zealand’s ecological and cultural heritage. As a member of the myrtle family, it is closely related to other beloved New Zealand natives such as pōhutukawa and mānuka, yet it possesses a unique leaf texture and form that has fascinated botanists, horticulturalists, and gardeners since Europeans first documented it in the 19th century. The leaves appear as though they have been gently pressed from beneath, creating a bubbled or blistered surface that catches light in extraordinarily beautiful ways throughout the day.

Understanding Lophomyrtus bullata requires an appreciation for both its natural habitat and its horticultural potential. In the wild, it typically grows as an understory shrub in lowland and coastal forests, thriving in the dappled shade beneath larger canopy trees. Its modest stature — usually reaching between two and five metres in height — belies its ornamental value, and it has become increasingly popular in gardens throughout New Zealand, Australia, and temperate regions of Europe and North America where mild, moist conditions prevail.

Physical Description and Botanical Characteristics

The most immediately recognisable characteristic of Lophomyrtus bullata is undoubtedly its foliage. The leaves are small to medium in size, roughly ovate to elliptical in shape, and display the phenomenon of bullation — a term referring to the raised, blister-like puckering between the leaf veins that gives the surface a deeply textured, almost three-dimensional appearance. The leaf colour ranges from a deep, glossy green to rich burgundy, copper, and bronze tones, particularly in cultivars selected for garden use. This range of hues makes it one of the most versatile foliage plants available to temperate gardeners.

The flowers of Lophomyrtus bullata are small but quietly beautiful. They emerge in summer as creamy white blossoms with prominent stamens, a characteristic feature shared across the Myrtaceae family. While individually modest, the flowers appear in sufficient numbers to create a delicate frothy effect against the dark foliage, and they are moderately attractive to native bees and other pollinating insects. Following pollination, the plant produces small, dark red to blackish berries that ripen in autumn and are eagerly consumed by native birds, particularly silvereyes and bellbirds, making the shrub an important resource in ecological plantings designed to support native fauna.

Taxonomically, Lophomyrtus bullata is one of only two species within its genus, the other being Lophomyrtus obcordata, commonly known as rohutu. The two species have been hybridised both naturally and deliberately in cultivation, producing Lophomyrtus × ralphii, a vigorous hybrid that inherits characteristics from both parents. The genus name Lophomyrtus derives from the Greek words for “crest” and “myrtle,” a reference to the crested appearance of the calyx lobes on the flower, while the species epithet bullata comes from the Latin for “bubble” or “blister,” directly referencing the distinctive leaf texture.

[STUDIO_IMAGE: close-up of deeply textured dark green and burgundy Lophomyrtus bullata leaves, soft natural diffused light]

Natural Habitat and Distribution in New Zealand

In its natural environment, Lophomyrtus bullata is found throughout much of the North Island of New Zealand and in the northern and western parts of the South Island, with populations also present on some of the offshore islands. It tends to favour lowland and lower montane forest environments, typically growing in areas with relatively high rainfall and humidity. The species is most commonly encountered in coastal and lowland forests where it occupies the shrub layer beneath taller trees such as kauri, rimu, tōtara, and pūriri, though it can also form part of regenerating scrubland in disturbed areas.

The ecological role of Lophomyrtus bullata within New Zealand’s forest ecosystems extends beyond its role as a food source for birds. Its dense branching habit provides excellent shelter and nesting habitat for small native birds, and its year-round foliage makes it a reliable structural element of the forest understorey. The plant’s tolerance for partial shade is a key adaptation to its role as an understorey species, allowing it to establish and grow beneath the canopy of taller trees that would suppress less shade-tolerant species. However, it is also capable of thriving in full sun, particularly when moisture is adequate, which gives it a degree of ecological flexibility.

Historically, ramarama occurred in far greater abundance across New Zealand’s lowland forests, but like many native forest species, its populations have been reduced by extensive land clearance over the past two centuries of European settlement. Today, while it is not considered threatened, it is far less common in the wild than it once was, and conservation-focused plantings have become an important aspect of efforts to restore native biodiversity to degraded landscapes. The species responds well to replanting initiatives and can establish relatively quickly in appropriate conditions, making it a valuable tool in ecological restoration projects.

Cultivation and Horticultural Uses

Lophomyrtus bullata has earned considerable respect among horticulturalists and gardeners for its adaptability, visual appeal, and relative ease of cultivation. It performs best in well-drained, moderately fertile soils with consistent moisture, though established plants can tolerate short periods of drought reasonably well. The species prefers a position in full sun to partial shade, with afternoon shade being beneficial in hotter inland climates that differ significantly from its cool, humid natural coastal habitat. In cooler temperate gardens, a sheltered position protected from harsh cold winds will help the plant reach its ornamental potential.

One of the primary reasons gardeners are drawn to this species is its extraordinary range of cultivated varieties, developed largely through selection and hybridisation with Lophomyrtus obcordata. These cultivars offer a remarkable palette of foliage colours, including deep purple-bronze forms such as ‘Purpurea’, variegated selections with cream and green patterning, and compact dwarf forms suitable for containers and small spaces. The following list highlights some of the most popular cultivated forms available to gardeners:

• Lophomyrtus bullata ‘Purpurea’ — A richly coloured form with deep bronze-purple leaves that intensify in full sun.
• Lophomyrtus × ralphii ‘Multicolor’ — A hybrid cultivar with striking variegated foliage in shades of green, pink, cream, and copper.
• Lophomyrtus × ralphii ‘Kathryn’ — A compact selection prized for its deep burgundy foliage and dense habit.
• Lophomyrtus × ralphii ‘Sundae’ — A popular variegated form offering cream and green leaves with pink tints on new growth.
• Lophomyrtus bullata ‘Pixie’ — A dwarf form well-suited to containers, rockeries, and low hedging applications.

Propagation of Lophomyrtus bullata is most reliably achieved through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn, a method that preserves the characteristics of named cultivars and selected forms. Seeds can also be used for propagation, though seedlings will show natural variation in leaf colour and form. The plant responds well to pruning and shaping, making it suitable for use as a formal or informal hedge, a topiary subject, or a specimen plant. Regular tip pruning encourages a denser, more compact habit and may enhance the intensity of leaf colouration in cultivars grown for their foliage colour.

[STUDIO_IMAGE: a lush New Zealand garden border featuring Lophomyrtus bullata shrubs in warm afternoon golden light]

Cultural Significance and Māori Uses

The Māori name for Lophomyrtus bullata — ramarama — is a word of some cultural resonance in New Zealand. In traditional Māori society, knowledge of native plants was inseparable from daily life, medicine, spiritual practice, and community identity, and while ramarama was not among the most extensively used plants in the traditional pharmacopoeia, it held recognised value within forest communities. The plant’s berries were known to be edible, if not particularly abundant or sought-after as a food source, and the dense, twiggy growth of the shrub made it useful as a minor source of materials for shelters and other practical purposes.

In the broader context of Māori relationships with the natural world, ramarama occupies a position as one of the many taonga (treasured) species that form the fabric of native forest ecosystems. The concept of kaitiakitanga — environmental guardianship — encompasses the responsibility to protect and sustain species like ramarama as part of the living heritage of the land. Contemporary Māori environmental initiatives often include the planting of native species such as Lophomyrtus bullata in marae (community gathering places) and alongside waterways and coastal areas as expressions of both cultural identity and ecological stewardship.

The word “ramarama” itself has entered wider New Zealand English usage as the common name for the species, reflecting the deep influence of te reo Māori on New Zealand’s ecological vocabulary. Many New Zealanders who may not be aware of the plant’s botanical classification will recognise it by its Māori name, and horticultural labelling in New Zealand increasingly uses both names together, acknowledging the plant’s dual identity as a botanical specimen and a cultural taonga. This linguistic and cultural recognition represents a broader trend in New Zealand toward honouring indigenous names and knowledge systems in the context of natural heritage.

Ecological Importance and Conservation

Beyond its garden appeal, Lophomyrtus bullata plays a meaningful role in supporting New Zealand’s native biodiversity. Its berries are an important food source for frugivorous birds, particularly during the autumn and winter months when other food sources may be less abundant. Native species such as the silvereye (tauhou), bellbird (korimako), and kererū (New Zealand pigeon) are among the birds recorded feeding on ramarama berries, and the shrub’s dense growth provides nesting cover for smaller native species. Plantings of ramarama in garden and restoration contexts therefore contribute meaningfully to urban and peri-urban wildlife corridors.

The species is also noteworthy for its susceptibility to myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii), an invasive fungal pathogen that arrived in New Zealand in 2017 and poses a serious threat to members of the Myrtaceae family. Lophomyrtus bullata is considered one of the more vulnerable species within this family, and its conservation status is being monitored with increased attention in light of this threat. Researchers and conservation managers are working to better understand the impacts of myrtle rust on wild populations and to develop management strategies that may include selective breeding for resistance and targeted fungicide treatments in high-value conservation sites.

The following considerations are particularly important for gardeners and land managers working with Lophomyrtus bullata in the context of myrtle rust:

1. Monitor plants regularly for signs of myrtle rust, including bright yellow or orange powdery pustules on leaves and stems.
2. Report any suspected myrtle rust infections promptly to the relevant biosecurity authority in your region.
3. Avoid moving plant material between locations, as this can inadvertently spread spores.
4. Source plants from reputable nurseries that practise good biosecurity protocols.
5. Consider planting in diverse mixed plantings rather than large monocultures to reduce disease spread risk.

Despite the challenges posed by myrtle rust, there remains strong reason for optimism about the future of Lophomyrtus bullata in both wild and cultivated settings. Its natural resilience, broad ecological adaptability, and the active interest of conservation organisations, nurseries, and passionate gardeners all contribute to a positive outlook. Ongoing research into the genetics of disease resistance within the Myrtaceae family offers hope that resilient selections may eventually be identified or developed, safeguarding the future of this beloved New Zealand native for generations to come.

[STUDIO_IMAGE: a native New Zealand forest understorey with dappled light filtering through canopy onto green shrubs]

Growing Tips and Garden Design Applications

For gardeners wishing to incorporate Lophomyrtus bullata into their planting schemes, a thoughtful approach to site selection and plant combination will yield the best results. The species works beautifully as part of a native New Zealand garden, paired with other low-maintenance indigenous plants such as hebes, corokias, and pittosporums to create a cohesive, wildlife-friendly planting. Its tolerance for coastal conditions — including moderate exposure to salt-laden winds — also makes it an excellent choice for seaside gardens, where its evergreen foliage and sculptural form can provide year-round structure even in challenging environments.

In contemporary garden design, the dark-leafed cultivars of Lophomyrtus bullata are increasingly valued as foliage contrast plants within mixed borders. The deep bronze and purple forms provide striking contrast when planted alongside silver-leafed plants, ornamental grasses, or brightly flowered perennials, and their textured leaf surface adds a tactile quality that few other shrubs can match. As a backdrop hedge or screening plant, the species develops into a dense, wind-resistant barrier over several years, and its relatively modest ultimate size makes it appropriate for gardens where space is limited but a sense of privacy or enclosure is desired.

Maintenance requirements for Lophomyrtus bullata in cultivation are relatively modest, making it an appealing choice for gardeners seeking beauty without excessive labour. The following practical care guidelines will help ensure the plant thrives in most temperate garden situations:

• Watering: Water regularly during the establishment period, tapering off once the plant is well-rooted. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can encourage root diseases.
• Fertilising: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth, particularly in containers or nutrient-poor soils.
• Pruning: Light tip pruning in spring and summer encourages density and maintains shape; avoid heavy pruning into old wood, which may not regenerate reliably.
• Mulching: A layer of organic mulch around the root zone will conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually improve soil structure.
• Frost protection: Young plants may need protection from severe frost; established plants in sheltered positions are generally reasonably frost-hardy in temperate climates.

Ultimately, Lophomyrtus bullata represents one of New Zealand’s great horticultural contributions to the world’s gardens. Its unique combination of extraordinary leaf texture, rich foliage colour, wildlife value, and manageable scale places it among the most distinctive and rewarding shrubs available to temperate gardeners anywhere. Whether grown as a specimen plant to showcase its remarkable bullate foliage, as part of a native ecological planting, or as a sophisticated foliage element in a contemporary mixed border, this species consistently rewards the care and attention of those who choose to grow it, offering year-round beauty and a tangible connection to one of the world’s most remarkable native floras.