Hoheria lyallii or Mountain lacebark is endemic to the South Island, where it is mostly known from eastern Canterbury and Marlborough with a disjunct population in Nelson (Kahurangi National Park). It is found in montane and subalpine areas in the upper forest margins, and occasionally on river and stream terraces where it may be found in groves. It is a small spreading soft-wooded deciduous tree of up to 8m tall, inhabiting dryer mountain areas of the South Island. It has thin leaves that are covered in small hairs, widest at base and narrowing to point, margin with many uneven blunt teeth and some deeper divisions, on long stalks. It has white cupped flowers from November to February that develop into a dry narrowly-winged fruit.  In a garden situation this extremely attractive species prefers a damp soil in a sunny site, and does best in cooler climates. It dislikes humidity and will not flower in warmer climates unless it is subjected to cold treatment . It is named after David Lyall (1817-1895), a 19th century Scottish naturalist and surgeon with the Royal Navy, who explored Antarctica, New Zealand, the Arctic and North America and was a lifelong friend of Sir Joseph Hooker.