Key to Poplars and Willows
in New Zealand
Version 1.0.5
'Mapiu'
- 0. Poplar or Willow?
- Looks like a poplar -> Poplar - 1. Crown shape
- Narrow crown (or uncertain) -> 2. Bark
- Bark is smooth -> 5. Leaves
- Leaves rounded, dark green upper surface, greyish green under-surface, lightly ribbed trunk, even light branching -> 'Mapiu'
Populus maximowiczii × P. nigra NZ 5035
‘Mapiu’ was bred in New Zealand in 1993 and released for commercial use in 2011. ‘Mapiu’ is female.
Identification
‘Mapiu’ leaves are rounded, dark green on the upper surface and greyish green below. The leaf edge is wavy and sharp toothed. ‘Mapiu’ comes into leaf early in spring and leaves are retained the longest of the maxi-nigra clones.
‘Mapiu’ has a narrow crown, excellent apical dominance, and generally light branching. ‘Mapiu’ has a wood density of 313 kg/m3. Bark roughens later than P. x euramericana clones.
Typical uses, site requirements, pest and disease resistance
‘Mapiu’ is wind and frost tolerant, and performs well in moist environments except for coastal sites. It is rust resistant. ‘Mapiu’ is less vigorous than ‘Geyles’. Height and DBH at age 7 (age 12) in a sheltered site was 11.8 (22.9) m and 18.0 (32.6) cm and in a windy site was 9.3 (14.5) m and 13.2 (20.4) cm. Suitable for soil conservation and timber.
