Metrosideros excelsa

1 Jun, 2010
5 likes

Called the New Zealand Christmas tree because it flowers along the seashores at Christmas. Pohutukawa. This is not a fully mature tree. One which is absolutely covered in the flowers is a sight to behold.

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Meanie

I absolutely love these. I well remember driving on Arthurs Pass with the hillsides covered in these. Stunning.
I have a young M.Umbellata - how old before I can expect a few flowers?

1 Jun, 2010

Amblealice

I have a "thomasii", which I bought last year in flower. It has already bloomed this year, last month, and it was gorgeous. I don't know how long they take to flower, but it will be lovely when it does, I'm sure...:o))))

1 Jun, 2010

Nzoldcrow

I dont really know how old the southern Rata, M. umbellata, has to be to flower. If it was grown from a cutting I understand that it could flower fairly young and will not grow as big as the ones in the wild, which can grow 40-60 ft high!

I am glad you loved them.

1 Jun, 2010

Nzoldcrow

You snuck in there when I was typing, Amblealice! I dont know the 'thomasii'. Is it a Metrosideros, or some other member of the Myrtle family?

1 Jun, 2010

Meanie

Thanks - I really don't know how it was propagated, as it is a bought one.

1 Jun, 2010

Amblealice

It is a Metrosideros...there is a pic in my photo gallery....

1 Jun, 2010

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