Botanical name:

Metrosideros umbellata

Common name(s):

Southern Rata

About:

Southern Rata is a tree characterised by its leathery, lance-shaped leaves and striking red flowers that bloom in the summer, making it a beautiful feature tree. This species is adapted to cold climates, in contrast to the pohutukawa, and can endure severe frosts. It is particularly prevalent along the west coast of the South Island, where its nectar serves as the primary source for locally produced rātā honey. Southern rātā is the most widely distributed of New Zealand's rātā tree species, found in the North Island from latitude 36° southwards and more commonly in the western regions of the South Island. Unlike the northern rātā, this species seldom grows as an epiphyte.

Natural habitat:

Lowland to montane, occasionally sub-alpine forests and shrub-land.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North, South, Stewart and Auckland Islands of New Zealand. In the North Island locally present from Te Paki south to Mt Pirongia, the northern Kaimai Ranges (Ngatamahinerua) and Mt Manuoha in the Te Urewera National Park. In the South Island from Durville Island south and to Fiordland, with a mainly westerly distribution,most of Canterbury and northern Otago but absent from Marlbrough. Common on Stewart and the Auckland Islands.

Height: 15m

Flowering: 

November – January with a red or pink coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December – February

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Flowers

How to grow:

Easy grown from fresh seed but inclined to be rather slow-growing unless planted in ideal conditions. In cultivation this species prefers a moist soil. Can be grown from soft-wood and semi-hardwood cuttings but these can be very difficult to strike. A beautiful specimen tree which should be more widely planted in locations where conditions are suitable.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. This seed requires 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.