Mainland pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) displays spectacular red flowers from the end of November through January. That is why it is nicknamed 'The New Zealand Christmas Tree.' It is one of the enduring symbols not only of New Zealand but also of Kiwi midsummer Christmas vacations and the beauty of N.Z.'s North Island. Pohutukawa, or 'splashed by the sea,' is sacred to native Maoris who believe that the pohutukawa which sits on the very tip of Cape Reinga is the last stepping-off place of spirits from this world.
Artistic interpretations feature pohutukawa on items ranging from postage stamps to stylish gifts initiated by the Project Crimson Shop. The Pohutukawa Festival, held each year on the Coromandel Peninsula, celebrates N. Z. summer and the blooming of pohutukawa.
Where to Find Pohutukawa
Visitors to N.Z. find natural stands of Metrosideros excelsa along the northern coast of the North Island. The best stands may be those along the approximately 250 miles (400 km) of the Coromandel peninsula coastline. Project Crimson has sponsored the descriptive booklet The Coromandel Crimson Trail for visitors.
Away from N. Z. , pohutukawa are planted in large landscapes and as street trees in regions with climates similar to their native environment. These include portions of England and Ireland, southern European countries like Spain, southern parts of the U.S. like CA, TX and FL, and Japan.
What Makes Pohutukawa Unique?
Pohutukawa, in its natural range, usually grows wider than tall - 20 meters (66 feet) high with a spread of 35 meters (115 feet). Its roots, wood, bark and leaves are adapted to withstand harsh coastal environmental conditions like drought, salt spray, wind damage and bright light.
Pohutukawa wood grows slowly and consequently is strong and dense. Its bark is rough and forms a stringy dry covering that not only protects the tree's interior but also makes a good growth medium for its own adventitious aerial roots.
Adventitious roots (those that occur in unusual places) form from branches or other roots. They can grow in air over rock surfaces, searching for crevices of soil and / or water.
Bud scales protect dormant leaf and flower buds. Mature leaves may be effective for two years, but new leaves quickly replace those lost to high winds. Leaves are hairy when young which lowers water loss. The lower surface of mature leaves remains protected by hairs, whereas the upper surface develops a tough, shiny wax coat.
Pohutukawa in Landscape Gardening
Pohutukawa's adaptations allow it to grow well when planted in places other than its natural environment. Pohutukawa grow best in fertile soil with good moisture and plenty of room. It does not grow well in wet or boggy areas. These qualities coax city councils to plant pohutukawa as street trees. However, town house lots usually do not allow room for pohutukawa.
Young pohutukawa grow relatively quickly – 30 cm (about 12 inches) in height, 5-10 cm (about 2-4 inches) in diameter per year. Growth slows in older trees to about 10 cm (4 inches) a year. Pohutukawa, when young, develop a bush-like habit from strong multi-stems, but as growth slows, they develop a heavy spreading crown.
Pohutukawa Cultivar Selections
Pohutukawas and Related Species for Auckland Gardens, January 1999. Advisory leaflet N16, Auckland Botanic Gardens, 102 Hill Rd, Manurewa, Auckland, New Zealand 09 267 1457 lists the following five cultivar selections.
These cultivars are evergreen and require full sun. Pohutukawa may be semi-hardy away from their natural range. They make good container plants when young, but demand large landscape spaces as they mature.
- 'Vibrance' appeared from a cultivated specimen on the Thames Coast. It is an upright tree with large mid-summer vibrant orange-red flowers . This is an excellent specimen for garden or container planting. According to Pohutukawas and Related Species for Auckland Gardens, p. 3, 'Vibrance' is probably the best named-form.
- 'Maori Princess' is an open branched, upright fastigiated tree with purplish flowers in early summer. It is tolerant of coastal exposure.
- ‘Te Kaha' is a medium sized bushy tree selected from the East Coast of the North Island. It features bright orange-red flowers that appear just before Christmas.
- ‘Parnell’ is a very large spreading tree selected from a cultivated specimen in the Parnell Rose Gardens (Auckland).
- ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’ is a smallish tree with scarlet flowers that open simultaneously. It flowers in late December. However, it is susceptible to bronze beetle injury.
Georgene A. Bramlage - Suite 101 Landscaping Feature Writer and Topic Editor Free-lance Garden and Landscape Writer and Consultant
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