Melicope simplex or poataniwha is endemic to the North and South Islands from North Cape southwards. It is found from sea-level to 600m asl, and is common on the margins of coastal and lowland forest and in scrub. It is a shrub 1.8 - 3.6m tall to a small tree up to 8m tall, with slender divaricating branches and small scalloped leaves that are attached to the branches by a flattened and jointed petiole. Horticulturally it does not have a lot to commend it and is usually more for a plant collector. It has small scented green flowers in spring followed by shinny black seeds that hang from the seed pod by threads. The flowers attract insects which in turn will attract birds like the fantail. Not fussy about conditions which makes it ideal for exposed sites. The interlacing branches, with a light prune will bush up well.