Common name and scientific name: Pohutukawa, Metrosideros excelsa
Origin and natural range: Native to New Zealand, the Pohutukawa tree is a coastal tree that is found along the coasts of the North Island and the top of the South Island. It is most commonly found growing on rocky headlands and cliffs.
Altitude range: The Pohutukawa tree can grow from sea level to an altitude of 200m.
Physical characteristics: The Pohutukawa tree is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a thick trunk and a dense, round canopy. The leaves are glossy and dark green. The bark is rough and varies from greyish-brown to red-brown. The tree produces bright red flowers in the summer which are an iconic part of the Christmas season in New Zealand.
Growth rate and lifespan: The Pohutukawa tree has a moderate growth rate, and can live up to 600 years.
Growing conditions: The Pohutukawa tree prefers well-drained soils, and can tolerate a variety of conditions such as full sun, partial shade, and dry or wet soils. It is frost hardy and can tolerate coastal exposure. It can be found in the forest, scrubland, and on the edge of the forest. The Pohutukawa tree thrives in damp, low-nutrient soils, such as swamps, and it is often found growing in association with other native tree species such as Kahikatea, Totara, and Rimu.
Uses and benefits: The Pohutukawa tree is an ornamental tree, it is also used for hedging, it is an attractive tree for wildlife and it is used for erosion control and for reforestation projects. The wood of the Pohutukawa tree is strong, durable, and resistant to rot, which makes it ideal for construction and furniture. The Pohutukawa tree is also known for its spectacular red flowers which make it a popular tree for planting along coastlines.
Flowering and fruiting: The Pohutukawa tree flowers in summer, typically between November and January, and produces bright red flowers that are an iconic part of the Christmas season in New Zealand. The seeds are produced in woody capsules and are ready to be collected between December and March.
Historical and cultural uses: The Pohutukawa tree has been traditionally used by the Maori people for medicinal purposes. The bark was used as a treatment for skin conditions and the tree was believed to have spiritual significance. The Pohutukawa tree is also considered to be a symbol of New Zealand and is often used in Christmas decorations.
Threats: It is susceptible to Myrtle rust disease which is a fungal disease that affects plants in the Myrtaceae family, which includes Pohutukawa, eucalyptus and guava among others. It is important to be aware of the threat of this disease and keeping the number of pohutukawa up is very important.
Planting instructions: The Pohutukawa tree should be planted in well-drained soil, in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Take into account that it has a deep root system, which means it can grow to a certain depth and spread out to a certain width. It’s recommended to plant a tree that is at least 1-2 years old and at least 1 meter in height. This ensures that the tree has a strong root system and is better able to establish itself in its new location. Mulching around the trunk can help a lot. You could consider a mulching mat, or use bark, pea straw etc. Plant after the last frost!
