What is the difference between pohutukawa and rata?
There are several different ways to distinguish between a pohutukawa and a rata tree. Pohutukawa leaves are generally larger and darker green than northern rata and can have slightly rolled edges. The underside of a pohutukawa leave has fine white hairs whereas the northern rata leaf is glossy on both sides.
What does the pohutukawa tree symbolize?
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. Pohutukawa often features on festive greetings cards, poems and stories.
Is pohutukawa 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. There are two native pōhutukawa (mainland and Kermadec) and six species of rata vine, a shrub and three tree rātā.
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.
What is pohutukawa used for?
The Maori made some use of the wood of pohutukawa; mainly for small implements, paddles and mauls. Early Europeans used pohutukawa extensively for the curved members of boat frames and its numbers were greatly reduced in areas adjacent to boat building yards.
What does the word pohutukawa mean?
1 : a New Zealand tree (Metrosideros tomentosa) with crimson flowers and silvery leaves below. 2 : a New Zealand variety of the sweet potato.
What is the English name for pohutukawa?
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.
What plants do native birds like?
Top 5 bird-attracting plants
- Banksia. Banksia is an iconic Aussie shrub; its flowers decorate gardens all over the country.
- Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) This plant is ideal for beginner gardeners, says Kate.
- Kangaroo paw.
- Spider flower (Grevillea)
- Bottlebrush (Callistemon)
What is the breeding system of pohutukawa plants?
Floral biology and breeding system of pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa, Myrtaceae) GABRIELE SCHMIDT-ADAM KEVIN S. GOULD BRIAN G. MURRAY School of Biological Sciences The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland, New Zealand Abstract The floral biology and breeding system of pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa, Myrtaceae),
How long does it take for a pohutukawa seed to germinate?
Pollen is highly viable (93.6%), and stigma recep- tivity extends for at least 9 days, as indicated by peroxidase activity, pollen germination, pollen tube length 24 h after pollination, and seed set. Stigmatic exudate production appears to increase up to 5 days
How long does pohutukawa flower in New Zealand?
Abstract The floral biology and breeding system of pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa, Myrtaceae), a mass-flowering tree of northern New Zealand coastlines, were examined. Trees flower over a peak period of 2 weeks, and compound inflorescences contain an average of 14.3 showy, hermaphrodite, red brush flowers that remain open for 7 days.
How much sucrose does a pohutukawa flower produce?
On average, flowers produce 46 p1 nectar per day, containing 18% (w/v) sucrose. Flo- ral design and display of pohutukawa are consistent with high levels of autogamous and geitonogamous self-pollination. Controlled pollination experiments