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Common Name: Northern Rata

General Information

Metrosideros robusta is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 6.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

New Zealand - south to latitude 42° 30' south, North and South Islands.

Habitat

Coastal to lower montane forest[]. Often found as an epiphyte, sending its roots down through the moss surrounding its host[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	6.00 m
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, succeeding outdoors only in the mildest areas of the country where it makes a small shrub[, , ].
A very ornamental plant[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

An edible nectar is obtained from the flowers[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Plants can be used as a hedge, succeeding in exposed maritime positions[, ].
Wood - dense, hard, heavy, durable. Used for bridges, carriages 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 winter. 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[].