Lancewood is a native of New Zealand eventually growing to 15m height in lowland and lower montain forests. It is a plant with a dramatic difference between the juvenile form and the adult form. Several of our UK native plants show some differences in the juvenile state, such as ivy (Hedera helix) which has toothed juvenile leaves and entire adult leaves and beech (Fagus sylvatica) in which the juvenile leaves persist on the tree whereas the adult leaves are shed in the Autumn. The juvenile form of the lancewood has tough leathery saw-edged leaves up to 1m long that point downwards, while the adult form has much shorter leaves in bunches on the branches (see photos below). 

It has been suggested that the strange looking juvenile form may have evolved as a protection from predation by the now extinct flightless moa bird. Once the tree was more than about 2m high it would have been safe from attack.

Note 2019: The Pseudopanax was removed to the service yard during the Ravine renovations. It has been replanted in the small bed beside the upper doors of the Ravine and seems to be thriving there. The lat. and long. given above relate to its new location.

Photos taken in Belfast Botanic Gardens in 2015 except picture of juvenile form which is from excellent botanical website stridvall.se. 

Copyright: Friends of Belfast Botanic Gardens.