Myrsine aquilonia is a tall bushy shrub that is native to coastal areas in the Eastern North Island and offshore Islands including the Poor Knights island.
Naturally the 12m shrub or small tree grows in coastal areas, kanuka forest and mangrove swamps. The second part of the name aquilonia refers to the shrubs northern distribution. The coastal matipo has small dark green oval-shaped foliage similar to the weeping matipo. Small green, red and pink flowers appear in August. The coastal matipo has a distinctive ringed smooth trunk. Its erect, spreading and crowded branching growth habitat makes the shrub ideal for tall hedging. The shrub is hardy and tolerant of most conditions.