Re: "It" trees/Metrosideros excelsa and other species

--- Tony and Moira Ryan <tomory@xtra.co.nz> wrote:

> 
> The natural range of this tree, coupled with its
> usual site right on the
> edge of the sea or even half way down a cliff, means
> that it rarely
> experiences frost in its original home sites.

Well, we are greatly influenced by the sea here where
I live, so they seem to do well. I don't think i've
seen any frost damaged ones (yet). I've never seen
them further inland than my city. 

> As the Rata is also very
> endangered by
> constant possum attack there is quite serious
> possibility that the pure
> species might disappear entirely as a result of this
> tendency to illicit
> "marriage". It would be  a great pity if this
> happened as the Rata ia a
> vey handsome forest tree in its own right and
> considerably hardier than
> its coastal cousin.

This genus must be relatively young if they cross so
easily. Either way, it *would* be a shame to lose the
Rata, since i've seen pictures and it is indeed a
handsome tree. 

> 
>  > I also find the aerial roots somewhat sinister
> looking, check out the
>  > very large specimen adjacent to the newly
> renovated Australian
>  > section at Strybing Arboretum in San Francisco,
> the aerial roots are
>  > massive and nearly to the ground.

I've never seen the Metrosideros form them here, and
we get quite a bit of fog. The ones in San Francisco
near the cable car trolley turn device (very big
specimens) only have a few aerial roots here and there
along their trunks. They still can be trimmed off of
course. Although, I'd find that an interesting and
cool feature.


>  >

> I would not recommend them as a shade for a path
> either. I once gardened
> for a household where there was  a large Pohutukawa
> overhanging a paved
> courtyard and found ita  most untidy tree, shedding
> debris all year
> round, so one was constantly having to sweep up.

I've planted the two I have away from any paths in the
backyard, and back from the grass. They're in a
position where when they gain size they wont project
shade except in the lade afternoon, where by then
their shade would be welcomed, as the afternoon sun
can be quite bright and hot. However they are far
enough back (close to 50 feet from the house) that
their shade still shouldn't be a problem. 

The only positions i've seen these trees grown here
are lining streets or along grassy strips close to
side walks, where I think they shouldn't be much of a
hassle (and besides, people here are pretty relaxed
about trees overhanging paths... no one seems to
really care much).
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