Elaeocarpus dentatus or hinau is endemic to the North and South Islands, and is found from sea-level to 600m asl., mainly in coastal and lowland forest though occasionally extending into montane forest, from near North Cape to the Catlins River in Otago. Tree up to 20 m tall (usually less), with broad spreading crown.  It is a very handsome medium-sized round-headed tree, 12-13m tall, sometimes up to 20m, with a trunk sometimes 30-90cm through.  This very distinctive tree is easily recognised by the erecto-patent leathery bicoloured leaves, white "lily of the valley" like flowers that appear from October to February, followed by small ovoid purple-black drupes from December to May. It will grow in a sunny or semi-shaded position that has good deep rich, moist soil. The fruits of the hinau were a food source for Maori, but were unpalatable in their fresh state that they needed a considerable amount of preparation after cooking to satisfy with their taste. A coarse meal by made from the prepared kernels, and mixed with water to form a cake that was baked in an umu for up to 2 days. The bark was also used to make a dark blue-black dye.