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Common Name: Pohutukawa

General Information

Metrosideros excelsa is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 7.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

New Zealand - North and Three Kings Islands.

Habitat

Coastal forests[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	7.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a well-drained but moisture-retentive lime-free soil in a sunny position[, ]. Plants are somewhat lime-tolerant but are unsuitable for shallow soils over chalk[]. Very resistant to maritime exposure[, ].
This species is not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[] and succeeding outdoors only in the mildest areas of the country where it makes a small shrub[, ]. Plants grow very well on the Isles of Scilly, where they are cut back by cold perhaps once every twenty years. They usually sprout again from their thick branches[]. Young seedlings are especially frost tender[].
A good bee plant[]. Very ornamental[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

An edible nectar is obtained from the flowers[].

Medicinal

The inner bark is astringent[]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea[, , ].
The nectar has been used to treat sore throats[].

Other Uses

Plants can be used as a hedge, succeeding in exposed maritime positions[, ].
Wood - dense, compact, heavy, durable, very strong. Used for ship-making, bearings, machine beds etc[, ].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first two winters. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, in individual pots in a frame. Good percentage[].