Native Flowers of New Zealand/Plate 29
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Native Name:—Pohotukawa.
This large, beautiful tree grows in the north of the Northern Island, on the coast from Auckland to the North Cape. It may often be seen with its roots spreading in different directions against the cliff, and it is marvellous how such a large tree can retain its position during heavy gales of wind. The larger blossom of a deeper crimson and the white tomentum under the leaves, distinguish it from the other Metrosideros. It is called Christmas tree in Auckland, because it flowers at that season. It has been introduced further south, where it grows freely. The description of this tree, signed J. S. in Vol. 26, Bot. Mag., seems to apply to M. Florida and not to M. Tomentosa. G. B. H.