Metrosideros umbellata

Metrosideros umbellata photographed at Arduaine Garden, Oban, Scotland, UK

Metrosideros umbellata is an evergreen tree that can grow to 50 ft (15 m) high. The thick, leathery leaves are spear-shaped, up to 2 in (5 cm) long. The red flowers can cover the tree, making it splendid sight; summer. One form of this plant has pale yellow flowers. It can be shy-flowering when young.

Metrosideros umbellata is also called southern rata, and is found in lowland to mountain forests, in the North Island of New Zealand, from Whangarei southwards, and throughout the South Island (mainly to the west) and Stewart Island.

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