How long does a pohutukawa tree live for?
How long does a pohutukawa tree live for?
1000 years
Pōhutukawa can live for hundreds of years in their natural coastal environment. While it is common to see 100-year-old trees growing in home gardens, both pōhutukawa and northern rātā can probably live up to 1000 years.
Why is the pohutukawa tree important?
Pohutukawa, with its striking red flowers, is an important symbol for all New Zealanders. In Maori mythology, its flowers are said to represent the blood of a young warrior who perished while trying to avenge his father’s death.
Are pohutukawa trees poisonous?
They are rapid shade producers, so excellent for providing shade for other trees to grow under. Maori people are reported to have eaten ngaio fruit, but the leaves and fruit are actually poisonous, containing a liver toxin, with the leaves being the most toxic.
How fast do pohutukawa trees grow?
around 30cm per year
In a very fertile environment with good moisture and plenty of room, young pohutukawa grow very quickly (at around 30cm per year in height and 5-10cm in diameter), often having quite a bushy form due to multi stems and vigorous lower stem growth, whereas older trees gain around 10cm in height a year and 2mm in diameter …
What does the word pohutukawa mean?
Definition of pohutukawa 1 : a New Zealand tree (Metrosideros tomentosa) with crimson flowers and silvery leaves below. 2 : a New Zealand variety of the sweet potato.
How would you describe pohutukawa?
Pōhutukawa grow up to 25 metres (82 ft) high, with a spreading, dome-like form. They usually grow as a multi-trunked spreading tree. Their trunks and branches are sometimes festooned with matted, fibrous aerial roots. The oblong, leathery leaves are covered in dense white hairs underneath.
How tall is a pohutukawa?
Mainland pohutukawa grows to 20m high with up to a 35m wide crown. The massive spreading crown; wider than tall, moulds to coastal wind and slope and spreads weight over unstable ground.
How old is the oldest pohutukawa?
In the tiny coastal settlement of Te Araroa you’ll find Te Waha-o-Rerekohu, New Zealand’s oldest and largest pōhutukawa tree. It’s around 600 years old, and stands proudly in the grounds of the local school.
How big does a pohutukawa tree get?
20m high
Mainland pohutukawa grows to 20m high with up to a 35m wide crown. The massive spreading crown; wider than tall, moulds to coastal wind and slope and spreads weight over unstable ground.
What is the scientific name for pohutukawa?
Metrosideros excelsa
Pohutukawa/Scientific names
The pohutukawa tree (Metrosideros excelsa) with its crimson flower has become an established part of the New Zealand Christmas tradition.
How do pohutukawa trees grow?
Firstly cut around the root ball – trench around the outside to the shape of the crown, then water the tree. Leave it for two or three months. This will allow for new fine roots to establish. Then carefully lift out the tree so as not to disturb the root ball and transplant it.
Why is the pohutukawa tree so popular?
The pohutukawa tree (Metrosideros excelsa) with its crimson flower has become an established part of the New Zealand Christmas tradition. This iconic Kiwi Christmas tree, which often features on greeting cards and in poems and songs, has become an important symbol for New Zealanders at home and abroad.
Where do pohutukawas grow in NZ?
They naturally occur south to the Taranaki area on the west coast and Gisborne area on the east coast. Pohutukawas are similar looking to northern rata trees. Further confusing these two is the fact that both of them have bright red clusters of flowers that look nearly identical. One good way to tell them apart is to look at the leaves.
Are pōhutukawa and Rata endangered?
Although the fortunes of pōhutukawa and rata have changed for the better, they are still threatened by people and pests. The blazing red flowers of pōhutukawa around Christmas time have earned this tree the title of New Zealand’s Christmas tree. Pōhutukawa and rātā belong to the genus Metrosideros.
How can you tell a pohutukawa plant apart?
One good way to tell them apart is to look at the leaves. The leaves of Pohutukawas are green on top and a white on the bottom that feels velvety to the touch. A beautiful Pohutukawa growing next to the beach.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXQv9O82PnI
