Mar 12, 2023
#1928 - Pieris japonica -Japanese Andromeda
AKA Pearl Tree and Lily of the Valley Tree. The common names might make more sense if it was still in bloom.
Not native to New Zealand - an introduced ornamental from eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan, where it grows in mountain forests with acid soils. Actually in the Heather family, despite its size, but the Rhododendrons and Azeleas are related and also grow in acidic mountain habitats.
Quite poisonous, but not as notorious as the Rhododedrons and their infamous Mad Honey.
