Re: NZ Metrosideros (was Street trees)
- Subject: Re: NZ Metrosideros (was Street trees)
- From: T* a* M* R*
- Date: Fri, 12 Apr 2002 20:27:53 +1200
Jason D wrote:
>
> I'm convinced that plants sold in the San Francisco
> area labeled Metrosideros excelsa are mostly hybrids
> of M. excelsa and M. kermadecensis, for the leaves
> vary from the longer, pointed form of M. excelsa to
> the short oval of M. kermadecensis. Plus the bloom on
> most trees is so random in timing as to cause one to
> yearn for the gorgeous picture painted below (thank
> you). I suppose in isolation that scattered-flowering
> phenomenon might be attributed to the cooler & drier
> climate of San Francisco. And another thing, the
> production of aerial roots varies tremendously by
> individual; whether that's a result of genetic play
> with M. kermadecensis, local microclimate, or simply
> individuality, I can't say.
Hi Jason
Pohutukawas in NZ occur in a variety of climate zones, the coolest of
which is probably around my area, and in both dry and wet districts, but
I have never heard of either temperature or the amount of precipitation
having any effect on the manner of their flowering, so I am pretty sure
your suggestion that many individuals in your area are hybrids is the
best way to account for erratic flower production.
In full support of your contention, I quote a comment from a recent book
on growing NZ plants about M kemadecensis (the Kermadecs are considered
to number among our offshore islands):-
" There is some debate as to whether this offshore native should be sold
on the mainland on account of its ability to hybridize wirh M excelsa.
The concern is that because hybrids tend to flower in the spasmodic
manner of M.kermadecensis we could lose the summer spectacle of M
excelsa in bloom.
>
> How about the vine species? Do Kiwis or others use
> them in their gardens much? So much untapped potential
> for us in California.
One vine which is very popular in the warmer parts of the country is M
carmina. This when planted in a slighly shady moist site with little or
no frost become covered in the most gorgeous small brilliant crimson
flowers.
After the manner of ivy, adult growth tends to be shrubby rather than
vining and by propagating from this it is possible to produce a most
pectacular spreading shrub which as well as growing in the border is
also effective for large containers. "Carousel" and "Ferris Wheel" are
two shrubby selections available in the local trade.
All the other small vines are white flowered and though they have a
certain quiet charm are not very much grown as far as I know, but there
is one other spctacular Metrosideros which is basically a vine, the
northern Rata (M. robusta). This typically grows after the same manner
as many tropical figs, starting as an epiphyte in the branches of a
host tree and sending great ropes of growth down to the ground where
they take root After a few years these cover the host completely over
and it eventually dies. The various vines gradually fuse to make a
substantial trunk, though frequently with a centre hollow where the dead
host has rotted.
The epiphytic start though usual, is apparently not obligatory and
occasionally one sees young trees growing straight in the ground.
This species is hardier than M excelsa and occurs naturally right to the
southen tip of North Island, including the local bush in our area, but
many have been lost over the years as it is, alas, a very favoured food
among our worst local bush pests the Australian Brush-tailed Possums,
whose tendency to concentrate on one tree until it is totally defoliated
has led to the death of many a fine Rata. Strenuous efforts have been
made in recent times to control these creatures and with their reduction
we hope the remaining mature trees will survive and replacements get the
chance to grow.
It would be a great pity if they do not, as they are most magnificent
trees, taller at maturity than a full-grown Pohutukawa and with a
similar burst of summer flowering with large typical flowers of a
somewhat orangy red.
Occasionally young ones (non epiphytic) are seen in large gardens, but
after a few years they get too large for anything but a major park or
the bush. There is a magnificent mature stand in a local area of
protected forest at Kaitoke a little way north of where we live. Even
when out of flower they are very impressive.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan
Wainuiomata - at the
Southern tip of North Island, NZ, Lat 41°15'S, Long 174°58'E
