Metrosideros
Botanical name: Metrosideros
Metrosideros
Botanical name: Metrosideros
Description
Metrosideros are one of the most common plant genera in the Pacific. They include a large number of trees, vines, and shrubs that are often cultivated for their ornamental features, and within their native habitat, they are usually grown as street trees. The majority of metrosideros have distinctive, fuzzy red flowers, though many cultivars were developed to bear yellow or orange flowers. 
Species of Metrosideros
White rata
Able to grow up to 18 m long white rata (Metrosideros perforata) is a climbing vine that is endemic to New Zealand. Its circular leaves are pale green beneath and dark green on top. From fall through spring white rata produces fluffy clusters of white flowers.
Pohutukawa
Another name for pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) is an evergreen tree native to New Zealand with showy flowers that look like crimson bottlebrushes. If you take good care of it, this tree will last ten years.
Polynesian metrosideros
Polynesian metrosideros is a Pacific island native flowering plant. The Maori locals call it "spring fire" thanks to the striking red flowers that bloom in spring. Also called the "Lehua of Hawaii," the origin of this name came from the Hawaiian fire goddess, Pele, who, as legend says, turned Lehua into the flower of this tree because of her jealousy.
Kermadecs pohutukawa
Kermadecs pohutukawa are one of the most common plant genera in the Pacific. They include a large number of trees, vines, and shrubs that are often cultivated for their ornamental features, and within their native habitat, they are usually grown as street trees. The majority of kermadecs pohutukawa have distinctive, fuzzy red flowers, though many cultivars were developed to bear yellow or orange flowers.
Crimson rata
Crimson rata are one of the most common plant genera in the Pacific. They include a large number of trees, vines, and shrubs that are often cultivated for their ornamental features, and within their native habitat, they are usually grown as street trees. The majority of crimson rata have distinctive, fuzzy red flowers, though many cultivars were developed to bear yellow or orange flowers.
Parkinson's rata
Parkinson's rata are one of the most common plant genera in the Pacific. They include a large number of trees, vines, and shrubs that are often cultivated for their ornamental features, and within their native habitat, they are usually grown as street trees. The majority of parkinson's rata have distinctive, fuzzy red flowers, though many cultivars were developed to bear yellow or orange flowers.
Small ratavine
Small ratavine is a forest vine that is only rarely grown ornamentally, but its spreading habit makes it an attractive ground cover that produces white or pink flowers. In the wild this plant climbs on the trees of lowland forests.
Metrosideros albiflora
Metrosideros albiflora are one of the most common plant genera in the Pacific. They include a large number of trees, vines, and shrubs that are often cultivated for their ornamental features, and within their native habitat, they are usually grown as street trees. The majority of metrosideros albiflora have distinctive, fuzzy red flowers, though many cultivars were developed to bear yellow or orange flowers.
Bartlett's rata
Bartlett's rata are one of the most common plant genera in the Pacific. They include a large number of trees, vines, and shrubs that are often cultivated for their ornamental features, and within their native habitat, they are usually grown as street trees. The majority of bartlett's rata have distinctive, fuzzy red flowers, though many cultivars were developed to bear yellow or orange flowers.
Lehua tree
Lehua tree is found readily in Hawaii and has many different varieties, as indicated by the 'polymorpha' in its scientific name, meaning "many forms." The wood from these trees is often used in flooring and fences, as it polishes well and is attractive.
Climbing rata
Climbing rata is a vine that is commonly found in areas containing limestone. It is slender with light green leaves and white flowers. It resembles a hanging curtain. Hence, this trait makes it unique amongst other vines in New Zealand.
Southern rata
Metrosideros umbellata is a beautiful flowering tree with more than 15 cultivars released. It's the most common tree in the South Island of New Zealand and its nectar is a valuable source for honey production. Metrosideros umbellata is a hardy tree once it's established, but young plants should be protected from frost.
Northern rata
Northern rata is a tree endemic to coastal and lowland forests of New Zealand. It is a hemiepiphyte, meaning that the seeds germinate in the canopy of another tree and grow epiphytically before the roots make contact with the ground. Eventually, the host tree is strangled by the growing northern rata. Because of this, the trunk is hollow, composed of hardened interlocking roots.
Climbing rata
Metrosideros fulgens is a climbing vine or liana native to New Zealand. The species is used in gardens worldwide, with various selected cultivars. Metrosideros fulgens is prized for its vibrant orange-red flowers that appear from the summer to winter.
Scientific Classification
Botanist in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
