Botanical name:

Metrosideros robusta

Common name(s):

Northern Rata

About:

A large and magnificent tree, adorned with intense red flowers during the spring season, captures the attention of all who encounter it. Just like the well-known pohutukawa, these beautiful flowers produce a substantial amount of nectar, which is highly sought after by various native birds and insects alike. Interestingly, the flowers of the rata are slightly smaller in size compared to those of the pohutukawa, yet they add their own unique charm to the landscape.

Natural habitat:

Coastal and Lowland forest occasionally extending to montane forest in some parts of the country. Once the co-dominant emergent tree of a distinctive vegetation type called rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum)/rata forest.

Growing environment:

Sun & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s  Three Kings Islands, North Island (formerly widespread from Te Paki south to Wellington, now scarce over large parts of this range, and apparently absent from the Hawkes Bay). South Island, abundant from Nelson west and south to Greymouth, from there locally common to about Hokitika, reaching a southern limit just south of Lake Mahinapua. In the east recently recorded from one site near Okiwi Bay, western Marlborough Sounds - though this site is unusual and may not be natural.

Height: 25m

Flowering:

(October-) November-January (-February) with a orange, red or pink coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

(December-)-January (-March)

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests.

How to grow:

Very easy from fresh seed. Seed must be sown fresh, even if left for a few weeks before sowing viability can drop, especially if seed is allowed to dry out. Very difficult from cuttings, though soft wood water shoots give the best results. Can also be grafted onto seedlings.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. These seeds require light to germinate. For best results germinate the seed on top of moist seed rising mix, don't cover just keep moist until germination is complete.