Table of Contents
What is the difference between a pohutukawa and a rata tree?
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 a pohutukawa flower look like?
Red flowers in large spiky balls in early summer. The leaves are opposite (they grow in pairs), 5-10 cm long, with a dense covering of white hairs below.
Are pohutukawa and feijoa related?
The pohutukawa is a member of the huge myrtle family, which includes among its 3000 species eucalypts, guavas, feijoas, bottlebrushes, manuka, kanuka and swamp maire. In the same genus are several species of rata, both trees and climbers.
How long does it take for a pohutukawa tree to 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 plants do native birds like?
Native grasses, Eucalyptus, Acacias, Hakeas, Casuarinas and Banksias produce the seed that will attract seed eating birds into your garden. Birds need water as well. If your garden does not have a permanent source of water it is a good idea to provide a bird bath that is cleaned and fresh water added regularly.
How do I attract native birds to New Zealand?
10 tips for attracting native birds to your garden
- Encourage insects.
- Don’t put out bread for birds.
- Instead put out sugar-water.
- Plant trees away from windows.
- Keep the birds safe.
- Plant flowers that provide food in winter.
- Make sure they have something to drink.
- Reduce risk from cats.
What do you feed 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.
What kind of tree is the pohutukawa tree?
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.
What kind of tree is in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s 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.
What’s the difference between a P ohutukawa and a rata tree?
There are several different ways to distinguish between a p ōhutukawa and a rātā tree. One is to look at the leaves. P ōhutukawa leaves are generally larger and darker green than northern rātā and can have slightly rolled edges. The underside of a p ōhutukawa leave has fine white hairs whereas the northern rātā leaf is glossy on both sides.
Why are the crimson flowers in pohutukawa important?
Pōhutukawa and rātā hold a prominent place in Maori mythology. Legends tell of the young Maori warrior, Tawhaki and his attempt to find help in heaven to avenge his father’s death. He subsequently fell to earth and the crimson flowers are said to represent his blood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXQv9O82PnI