Rata (tree): Difference between revisions
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[[Image:NorthernrataMaungatautari.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Northern rātā flowers, Mount Maungatautari]]'''Rātā''' is represented by twelve species of trees and vines [[ |
[[Image:NorthernrataMaungatautari.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Northern rātā flowers, [[Maungatautari Restoration Project|Mount Maungatautari]]]]'''Rātā''' is represented by twelve species of trees and vines [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] to [[New Zealand]] belonging to the genus ''[[Metrosideros]]'', the best-known species being ''Metrosideros robusta'' (Northern rātā), ''M. umbellata'' (Southern rātā), ''M. excelsa'' ([[Pōhutukawa]]) and the extremely rare ''M. Bartletii'' (Cape Reinga white rātā). All trees bear prolific red or white/cream flowers around the end of December earning their name as the New Zealand Christmas Trees. |
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The Metrosiderous genus is notable in that only four of the New Zealand species are trees, while the remainder are vines. The vine-like nature of the group manifests in all the trees and |
The ''Metrosiderous'' genus is notable in that only four of the New Zealand species are trees, while the remainder are vines. The vine-like nature of the group manifests in all the trees and especially in ''M. robusta'', which begins its life as an [[epiphyte]] high in the branches of a mature forest tree; over centuries the the young tree sends descending and girdling roots down and around the trunk of its host, eventually overpowering it and forming a massive, frequently hollow pseudotrunk of coalesced roots. This tree is unique also in the ability of its root system to re-fuse with itself often forming bizarre sculptural forms. Many species of ''Metrosideros'' are being severely damaged and even killed by the [[Common Brushtail Possum]] which was introduced from [[Australia]]. |
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{{commons|Metrosideros robusta}} |
{{commons|Metrosideros robusta}} |
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{{commons|Metrosideros umbellata}} |
{{commons|Metrosideros umbellata}} |
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[[Category:Myrtales]] |
[[Category:Myrtales]] |
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Revision as of 12:25, 26 March 2007
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| Southern Rata (Metrosideros umbellata) | |
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Metrosideros robusta A. Cunn | |
Rātā is represented by twelve species of trees and vines endemic to New Zealand belonging to the genus Metrosideros, the best-known species being Metrosideros robusta (Northern rātā), M. umbellata (Southern rātā), M. excelsa (Pōhutukawa) and the extremely rare M. Bartletii (Cape Reinga white rātā). All trees bear prolific red or white/cream flowers around the end of December earning their name as the New Zealand Christmas Trees.
The Metrosiderous genus is notable in that only four of the New Zealand species are trees, while the remainder are vines. The vine-like nature of the group manifests in all the trees and especially in M. robusta, which begins its life as an epiphyte high in the branches of a mature forest tree; over centuries the the young tree sends descending and girdling roots down and around the trunk of its host, eventually overpowering it and forming a massive, frequently hollow pseudotrunk of coalesced roots. This tree is unique also in the ability of its root system to re-fuse with itself often forming bizarre sculptural forms. Many species of Metrosideros are being severely damaged and even killed by the Common Brushtail Possum which was introduced from Australia.
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Descending root of Northern rātā, Barrytown, New Zealand. Photograph: Adam Ellis -
Northern rātā spared from bush clearing, near Barrytown, West Coast. Photograph: Adam Ellis
