What is pohutukawa used for?

Pohutukawa often features on festive greetings cards, poems and stories. As well as a cultural symbol, the species has several practical uses. Its hard strong timber was used for ship-building, and parts of the tree were also used medicinally by the Maori.

Why is the pohutukawa tree important to NZ?

To the Maori pohutukawa is a sacred tree, for it is from the ancient trees on the cliffs at Te Reinga that the spirits of the dead left this land. Legend tells us that the red of the flowers comes from the blood of the mythical hero Tawhaki, who fell to his death from the sky.

What is eats my pohutukawa?

The damage is caused by a native insect, a leaf miner weevil, called Neomycta rubida. The larvae of this weevil eat new leaves and the beetle (the adult stage) makes the holes in the leaves.

Are pohutukawa endemic to NZ?

Rata, Southern Rata, and Pohutukawa Are Related All three of these endemic trees have beautiful clusters of red flowers that are produced in the summer. The pohutukawa tends to flower around December and has the nickname of New Zealand’s Christmas tree.

Are pohutukawa flowers edible?

Has it a use for humans? The swollen flower around the black seed is very pleasant to eat in summer and early autumn, when it is very sweet and juicy. With any plants, don’t ever try to eat or use any part of them unless you are very sure they are safe.

What does pohutukawa smell like?

“Pohutukawa seed has a most glorious fragrance,” Terry enthuses, “like richest, thick honey.

What does pohutukawa taste like?

Summertime in Aotearoa means the beautiful Pōhutukawa,the New Zealand Christmas tree, begin blossoming across the country. While the flowers are beautiful to look at, did you know you can use them to create a delicious cordial? It tastes like yummy nectar and strawberry!

Where do pohutukawa trees grow best?

Mainland Pōhutukawa Found throughout the North Island, particularly north of New Plymouth and Gisborne. Pohutukawa grows best in warm, drier areas close to the sea. Grows to 20 metres high by 35 metres wide.

Are pohutukawa poisonous?

They are rapid shade producers, so excellent for providing shade for other trees to grow under. Maori people are reported to have eaten ngaio fruit, but the leaves and fruit are actually poisonous, containing a liver toxin, with the leaves being the most toxic.

Is there a yellow pohutukawa?

Pohutukawa are native to New Zealand and are part of the myrtle family. Yellow pohutukawa or ‘Metrosideros excelsa Aurea’ trees are found in several commercial and garden nurseries. All the trees are believed to be descended from a pair discovered in 1940 on Mōtiti Island in the Bay of Plenty.

Is pohutukawa poisonous?