pohutukawa christmas tree

How is pohutukawa tree connected to Christmas?

The pohutukawa tree (Metrosideros excelsa) with its crimson flower has become an established part of the New Zealand Christmas tradition. ... Other 19th-century references described the pohutukawa tree as the 'Settlers Christmas tree' and 'Antipodean holly'.

Which tree is known as the New Zealand Christmas tree?

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.

Do pohutukawa trees grow in Australia?

Mysteriously, the pōhutukawa and its myrtle cousins are no longer found in Australia. They exist all over the South Pacific, from Hawaii, to Papua New Guinea, to the Bonin Islands near Japan, to a number of sub-Antarctic islands. But the trees do not grow Down Under.

How fast do pohutukawa trees grow?

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 pohutukawa mean in English?

pōhutukawa. 1. (noun) pōhutukawa, New Zealand Christmas tree, Metrosideros excelsa, Metrosideros kermadecensis, Metrosideros bartlettii - trees found in coastal areas which bear large, red flowers about Christmas time and have leaves which are velvety-white underneath.

Do pohutukawa trees flower every year?

Yes, you will get flowers over months, but you only get a few flowers at any one time and the whole thing about the pohutukawa is that beautiful mass of bloom around Christmas.

What does a pohutukawa tree look like?

Pohutukawa leaves can be from 3 – 10 cm long by 1.5 – 5 cm wide. The leaves tend to be larger than on the ratas. The most distinguishing characteristic is that the leaves have a white fuzzy underside. The top is shining green, but the bottom is whitish and is covered in tiny hairs.

What does pohutukawa smell like?

“Pohutukawa seed has a most glorious fragrance,” Terry enthuses, “like richest, thick honey. It would make a wonderful perfume.” But it has a downside, too. “Put a sheet on the ground and tap the branches with a stick in April or May to collect seed, and stand clear! The seed is very fine and acts like itching powder.

Are pohutukawa trees endangered?

Despite its importance as a cultural symbol, Pohutukawa populations have declined dramatically – 25 years ago it was thought that up to 90% of coastal Pohutukawa stands had disappeared. The primary threat to this species is invasive non-native possums.

How old is the oldest pohutukawa?

Age records

Nr	Country	Age
1	New Zealand	1121 ± 100 y
2	Portugal	221 ± 50 y
		221 ± 50 y
		151 y

Are pohutukawa trees native to NZ?

Pōhutukawa and rātā are known as New Zealand's native Christmas tree because of the bright red blooms which decorate the trees during the Christmas season.

Can I trim my pohutukawa tree?

Undertake any work when the tree is most dormant – i.e. mid winter. However, reducing the size of a pohutukawa is not easy. If you cut large branches back you will precipitate epicormic growth back along the remaining branch which thickens up the within tree foliage.

How do you look after a pohutukawa tree?

To care for your pohutukawa feed it with Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic which will improve the trees overall health and gives frost protection up to about minus 5ºC. Feed the tree with sheep pellets in spring and late summer and make sure it is watered regularly.

How big do Kowhai trees grow?

Most species of kōwhai grow to around 8 m high and have fairly smooth bark with small leaves. S. microphylla has smaller leaves (0.5–0.7 cm long by 0.3–0.4 cm wide) and flowers (2.5–3.5 cm long) than S. tetraptera, which has leaves of 1–2 cm long and flowers that are 3–5 cm long.

Is pohutukawa a good firewood?

The wood of the pohutukawa is tough and springy and makes fantastic axe or hammer handles. Any pieces not suitable for woodworking are fantastic firewood, and the rest makes great mulch. Oh, and pohutukawa honey is the best.

How do you pronounce pohutukawa?

Phonetic spelling of pohutukawa

Poe-who-ta-car-w. 1 rating rating ratings. by wppuser.
po-hutukawa. 0 rating rating ratings. by wppuser.
po-hutukawa. 0 rating rating ratings. by Fyrhthe.
po-hu-tukawa. 0 rating rating ratings. by Hattie Stark.
Po-hu-ta-ka-wa. 0 rating rating ratings. by Caitlyn.

Are pohutukawa flowers edible?

The swollen flower around the black seed is very pleasant to eat in summer and early autumn, when it is very sweet and juicy. With any plants, don't ever try to eat or use any part of them unless you are very sure they are safe. Maori knew far more about them than we do and even they made some tragic mistakes.

What is the significance of pohutukawa for Maori?

Pohutukawa and its cousin rata also hold a prominent place in Maori tradition. Legends tell of Tawhaki, a young Maori warrior, who attempted to find heaven to seek help in avenging the death of his father. He fell to earth and the crimson flowers are said to represent his blood.

How do you grow pohutukawa from seed?

Pohutukawa seed matures in autumn, rata in winter. Pick a dry day, hold a large bag over a cluster of seed capsules and shake it to produce thousands of tiny seeds. Alternatively, put a sheet on the ground, tap the branches and stand clear. Take care when gathering seed because it is very fine.

What is the difference between pohutukawa and rata?

Southern rata is on the left and pohutukawa on the right. Note that the southern rata has dark green pointed leaves and that pohutukawa has shorter rounded leaves that have a whitish velvety texture on the underside. Pohutukawa tends also to have more stamens and as a result denser and more prolific flowers.

Are kauri trees endangered?

The mighty kauri tree has been officially re-classified as a threatened species for the first time. Pōhutukawa, mānuka, and rātā have also been classed as threatened as a precaution, due to the spread of myrtle rust disease.