pohutukawa tree facts

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. The canopy shelters root systems on bare rock. Seedlings grow faster than older trees.

How long do pohutukawa trees live?

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.

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.

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 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.

How old is the pohutukawa tree?

Possibly the most famous pōhutukawa in Maori legend is a small, wind-beaten tree clinging to the cliff face near Cape Reinga. The 800-year-old tree is reputed to guard the entrance to a sacred cave through which disembodied spirits pass on their way to the next world.

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 tall do pohutukawa trees grow?

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.

Can you eat pohutukawa?

Nowadays, shops sell honey made from the nectar collected from pohutukawa flowers. With any plants, don't ever try to eat any part of them unless you are very sure they are safe.

Is there a yellow pohutukawa?

Pohutukawa are native to New Zealand and are part of the myrtle family. Yellow pohutukawa or 'Metrosideros excelsa Aurea' trees are found in several commercial and garden nurseries. All the trees are believed to be descended from a pair discovered in 1940 on Mōtiti Island in the Bay of Plenty.

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 fast does a Kowhai tree grow?

Tree size and growth

Diameter growth averaged 8 mm per annum for trees up to 20 years old, dropping to between 4 and 5 mm after 35 years. Assuming that properly managed planting could grow faster it is reasonable to expect that trees 20 metres tall and 50 cm diameter could be grown in 50 years.

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 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.

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.

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.

Where is the pohutukawa tree found?

The Pohutukawa is an absolutely stunning tree that grows only in New Zealand.

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.

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.

What happens if I cut down a tree without permission?

If you intentionally cut someone else's trees without their permission and for the purpose of stealing them, that is a crime. Even if you recklessly cut someone else's trees, that may still be a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the value of the loss to the landowner.

Can I fell trees on my land?

It is a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree protected by a TPO, or to cause or permit such actions, without the authority's permission. ... You can find out if the tree has a TPO by contacting the tree officer at your local council.

Can I cut the tree in my backyard?

With few exceptions, most cities and counties require that you obtain a permit to remove a tree on your own property. ... Also, the rules may be different depending on how far the tree is from your property line. However, dead trees typically can be removed without a permit.