Pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) If you drive around Rocks Road or Atawhai you will see the crimson red flowers of the New Zealand Christmas Tree in full bloom at this time of year. The Pōhutukawas belongs to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) the same as Feijoa or Eucalyptus for example. Unfortunately that makes them susceptible to myrtle rust which is a fungal disease. It also belongs to the Metrosideros genus, which includes northern and southern Rātā . The Trees are naturally found in the North Island of New Zealand along the coast lines where sometimes harsh conditions make it hard or impossible for other plants to thrive. The Pōhutukawa leaves have a waxy coat that protects them. Not only that, but the flowers produce thousands of seeds that disperse by the slightest breeze and can survive up to a month in salt water and freezing environment. Maoris have used the nectar of the flowers to treat sore...