Common Name: Southern Rata

General Information

Metrosideros umbellata is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 15.00 metres tall with a bole uo to 150cm in diameter[]
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its vibrant floral display.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

New Zealand - southwards from latitude 36°s, North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands.#

Habitat

Lowland to montane, occasionally sub-alpine forests and shrubland[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Metrosideros umbellata is not very hardy in the temperate zone, succeeding outdoors only in the mildest regions where it will often only make a small shrub[, , ].
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[].
A very ornamental plant[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A lotion made from the bark was used traditionally to treat ringworm, aches, pains and wounds[]. A decoction made by boiling pieces of bark in water is used as a lotion to treat wounds[]. A liquid obtained from the crushed, steeped and boiled bark is applied externally to bruises, andis taken internally as a remedy for colds[].

The young leaves are chewed to relieve toothache[].

The nectar from the flowers has been used to treat sore throats[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be used as a hedge, succeeding in exposed maritime positions[, ].

Other Uses

Southern rata is the world’s second densest wood after lignum vitae, (Guaiacum officinale)[]
The heart-wood can be plum-coloured with purplish streaks, the sapwood is a dark reddish-brown. The wood is dense, heavy, and immensely strong. It shrinks considerably on drying, is hard on machinery, and is not very stable in use, nor is it very durable. In addition, the wood and its grain are often very distorted because of the way the tree grows, and hollow trees are common[].
The timber has been used for bridges, ship’s timbers, houses and furniture. It is popular with woodturners because of the beautiful, warped reddish grain, but it can be very difficult to turn when it is dry. The wood is not very stable, and is therefore better used for smaller pieces which will distort less[].
A very hot burning firewood[]

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[].