Botanical name:

Metrosideros carminea

Common name(s):

Akakura, carmine rātā

About:

A climber now found only rarely in the lush lowland forests stretching from Northland to East Cape. This fascinating plant climbs by effectively clinging to its surroundings and features small, deep green, rounded leaves that add to its charm. As the vine reaches more sunlight, its leaves undergo a transformation and become more oval in shape while the stems turn woody, providing structure. In spring, it produces an abundance of striking crimson flowers, creating a truly spectacular sight that can brighten any landscape. A semi-shaded spot with reasonable moisture levels is considered the best environment for its growth. When propagated from an adult plant, rather than developing into a traditional climber, it will result in a spreading shrub. Notably, 'Carousel' and 'Ferris Wheel' are two distinct selected shrubby forms that showcase this plant's versatility.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane (mainly coastal to lowland). A vine of closed forest and forest margins, often along water ways and on ridge lines, especially on rock outcrops and cliff faces.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand‘s North Island from Te Paki south to Taranaki in the west and Mahia Peninsula in the east.

Height: 15m

Flowering:

August - November with a pink to red coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January – April

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests.

How to grow:

Easily grown from rooted pieces. Also grown from semi-hardwood cuttings. Indeed adult plants are often propagated from cuttings and while these don’t climb they form an excellent small shrub suitable for rockeries and tub or pot culture. Metrosideros carminea is an excellent vine for growing up walls and rock faces, doing best if its roots are planted in a free draining, humus enriched, moist soil, and the plants allowed to climb up into the sun. Metrosideros carminea is frost sensitive and young vines will need to be carefully nurtured until they are well established.

** 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.