Mata-mata Plant Care

Mata-mata (Discaria toumatou) belongs to the Rhamnaceae family within the Discaria genus. Mata-mata is native to New Zealand. Mata-mata is also known as Tumatou.

Mata-mata displays a spiny, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Mata-mata produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mata-mata every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Mata-mata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Discaria toumatou tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Mata-mata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Mata-mata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mata-mata every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mata-mata is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Mata-mata can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Mata-mata while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Mata-mata is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Mata-mata can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to discaria pubescens plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Mata-mata is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Mata-mata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Mata-mata is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Mata-mata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.