Once the slow growing tree reaches maturity at 10 to 15 years, the leaf form becomes shorter, wider and dark green in colour.

The tree is sometimes also called fierce lancewood in reference to its fierce-looking saw tooth shaped juvenile leaves.

It gained wide popularity following its use in the gold-medal winning New Zealand exhibit at the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show in the UK.

The distinctive leaves and juvenile shape lend themselves to use in narrow spaces and are often used to complement modern building architecture.

Toothed lancewood is generally hardy and can withstand some minor frost damage to the tip (which may cause it to branch).