New Zealand Rata Tree

Imagine having this growing in your garden. It is nicknamed the Christmas tree. Isn't it gorgeous?


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http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-plants/rata/

 

The flower reminds me of a cross between a feijoa sellowiana and a bottlebrush and on checking they are all in the Myrtle family,a very nice tree rg. :thumb:

 

Pity its not very hardy:(

 

Beautiful. Must ask in laws over in NZ if they are common over there.

 

This is the Southern Rata ( Metrosideros Umbellata).
This is grown as a street tree in San Francisco and was in flower there last august, a spectacular tree. Some metrosideros have been grown in the Scilly Isles for years but not sure about the mainland.

 

We .... not me personally but I would if I had the space ... grow them here .... the Metrosideros excelsa .... or the New Zealand Christmas Tree .... :D Truly a beauty ... :gnthb:

 

Strongy, are you sure thats not a red flowering eucalyptus?

 

Here are a couple of photos I took here of the Red-Flowering Gum (Eucalyptus ficifolia) ...







The flowers appear more pom-pommy rather than brushy.

 

Pete, it does loook very similar and I had to check but it is Metrosideros and is mentioned on sites about SF street trees along with Acaia Baileyana.

 

OK strongy sorry to have doubted you