Portal:New Zealand/Featured
Also known as New Zealand Christmas Tree or Fire Tree, the Maori named Pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa, synonym Metrosideros tomentosa) is an evergreen tree of the myrtle family that produces flowers made up of a mass of red stamens (sometimes yellow). It grows in coastal regions of the North Island of New Zealand.
Pōhutukawa grow to around fifteen metres, with a fairly large round canopy. They flower in late December (the southern hemisphere summer), with a brilliant crimson flower covering the canopy, hence their nickname.
Pōhutukawa are under threat due to browsing by the introduced common brushtail possum.