The Pohutukawa is an absolutely stunning tree that grows only in New Zealand. Here are 6 facts about this tree that is called the NZ Christmas Tree.
When I first moved to New Zealand several years ago I was quickly blown away by the amazing landscapes. This country is full of gorgeous beaches, cliffs, mountains, and lots of rivers. I soon began noticing some huge, gnarled trees all along the coasts of the North Island. Then that first summer I couldn’t believe how they became completely covered in red flowers!
6 Pohutukawa Facts
These trees can be found mainly along the coasts of the North Island. They naturally occur south to the Taranaki area on the west coast and Gisborne area on the east coast.
Pohutukawas are similar looking to northern rata trees. Further confusing these two is the fact that both of them have bright red clusters of flowers that look nearly identical. One good way to tell them apart is to look at the leaves. The leaves of Pohutukawas are green on top and a white on the bottom that feels velvety to the touch.
These trees grow mainly along the coasts. Anyone that has lived along the coast knows that salt soon covers your house, fence, car and everything. That salt coating makes it difficult for plants to survive in coastal areas. The plants that do live along the coast, such as Pohutukawas, have special adaptations. The Pohutukawa leaves have a waxy coating that protect them from the salt.
In December to January this tree flowers. The whole tree may appear to be covered in clusters of red flowers. Those flowers are an important source of nectar for native birds and geckos. Those birds and geckos pollinate the flowers while they are greedily getting that nectar.
I’ve heard stories that if the pohutukawa blooms before Christmas then there will be a long, hot summer. I wonder if that is true? Scientists seem to disagree with it, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
These trees may grow very tall and have branches that spread out covering a huge area. They may grow up to 20 meters tall and 50 meters wide! In fact, most older trees are wider than they are tall.
Some of the older trees may even develop huge bunches of drooping aerial roots. You may see these brown masses of aerial roots hanging off the branches. That is a sure sign that you are looking at a Pohutukawa and not a rata.