Botanical name:

Metrosideros bartlettii

Common name(s):

Rātā moehau, Bartlett’s rātā

About:

This tree was only discovered in the year 1975 near the scenic Cape Reinga and is so incredibly rare that it is officially listed as a threatened species in various conservation efforts. The flowers, which are a pristine white, adorn the tree, and it features distinctive papery bark along with glossy, bright green wavy leaves that add to its aesthetic charm. It has the potential to grow into a large and impressive tree, reaching heights of 30 m or more. M. bartlettii is now becoming available through select nurseries, which is an encouraging development that will help ensure its survival in horticulture, at least. Remarkably, it is capable of thriving in a similarly wide range of conditions as its more well-known relative, the pohutukawa.

Natural habitat:

An emergent or canopy tree of northern coastal and lowland broad-leaved forest. Usually starting life as an epiphyte on puriri (Vitex lucens), taraire (Beilschimedia tarairi ), rewarewa (Knightia excelsa) and tree ferns (Cyathea spp.). Occasional specimens have been found growing terrestrially on rock outcrops, boulders and cliff faces.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Drought, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island, Northland, Te Paki, where it is only known from three forest remnants near Spirits Bay. These are Radar Bush, Kohuronaki and Unuwhao Bush.

Height: 30m

Flowering:

October - November with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

March – April

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed. Can also be grown by hardwood cuttings but these can be slow to take root. Plants have proved tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and have survived mild frosts and even snow falls. However specimens do best in open, sunny sites within well drained, fertile soils.

** 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.