Family: Myrtaceae
Author: Gaertn.
Bibliography: Fruct. sem. pl. 1:172, t. 34, fig. 8. 1788
Year: 1788
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Metrosideros
Vegetable: False
Observations: New Zealand North I.
Description
The New Zealand Christmas tree, scientifically known as Metrosideros excelsa, is a striking tree renowned for its vibrant red flowers and significant cultural importance. Native to New Zealand’s North Island, this member of the Myrtaceae family has become a beloved symbol of the holiday season and natural beauty in the region.
Standing out with its twisted, gnarled branches and evergreen foliage, the New Zealand Christmas tree is well-adapted to its coastal environment. It typically grows to a height of 10 to 25 meters, showcasing dark green leaves that are leathery to the touch. The tree’s most distinctive feature is its mass of bright red, brush-like flowers, which bloom during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months, aligning with the Christmas season. These flowers are not only visually stunning but also attract a myriad of pollinators, including birds and insects, making the tree an integral part of local ecosystems.
Metrosideros excelsa has a robust and commanding presence, often seen clinging to rocky cliffs and shorelines. This resilience is thanks to its complex root system, which helps the tree withstand strong coastal winds and poor, sandy soils. These adaptations have enabled the New Zealand Christmas tree to thrive in challenging environments, making it a symbol of endurance and strength.
Culturally, the New Zealand Christmas tree, known as “Pohutukawa” in the Māori language, holds deep significance. It is often associated with Māori legends and traditions, embodying the connection between the land and its people. The tree serves not only as a festive icon during Christmas but also as a sacred tree in Māori culture, often planted at burial sites and considered a guardian of the spirits.
First documented in scientific literature in 1788 by Gaertner in his work “Fruct. sem. pl.,” where it was detailed with elegant illustrations (t. 34, fig. 8), Metrosideros excelsa continues to be a subject of admiration and study. Its resilience, ecological importance, and cultural heritage make the New Zealand Christmas tree a botanical treasure, celebrating not just the holiday spirit, but also the enduring beauty and cultural richness of New Zealand.
Common Names
Eng: new zealand christmastree
Afr: nieu-seelandse perdestert
En: New Zealand Christmastree
Af: Nieu-Seelandse perdestert, Nieu-Seelandse kersboom
Ar: متروسدرس باسق
Eu: Burdinazko zuhaitza
Cs: Železnec ztepilý
Nl: Pohutukawa
Fi: Maorihehkupuu
Fr: Pohutukawa
Gl: Árbore do fogo
He: ברזילי הדור
Mk: Похутукава
Mi: Pōhutukawa
No: Pōhutukawa
Pt: Metrosídero
Ru: Похутукава
: New zealand christmastree
Synonyms
- Metrosideros tomentosa (A.Rich.)
- Nania tomentosa ((A.Rich.) Kuntze)
- Metrosideros florida var. aurata (J.R.Duncan & V.C.Davies)
Distribution
- New Zealand North (native)
- Azores (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Norfolk Is. (introduced)
- Tristan da Cunha (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 13, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 9, 2022 by sandra (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Alexandre Duvignaud (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Alexandre Duvignaud (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Alexandre Duvignaud (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 28, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Petra Hass (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Chickpea (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 8, 2022 by witt1 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 5, 2019 by Szabolcs Frater (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2021 by Caro Lohou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 9, 2022 by Mel Mun (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 24, 2020 by G V (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Feb 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Fruit
Taken Aug 4, 2021 by SergioPlantNet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2021 by Manuel de Buenaga (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2019 by Bart Batsleer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 21, 2021 by De Santis Luca (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 9, 2022 by Mel Mun (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3185393)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:598207-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Metrosideros excelsa Sol. ex Gaertn.)
