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(Metrosideros umbellata)
Southern Rata (Metrosideros umbellata)
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Christopher Stephens
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Christopher Stephens
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Christopher Stephens | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Christopher Stephens | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-01-16T10:01:27-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Metrosideros umbellata, commonly known as Southern Rata, is an evergreen tree that is endemic to the cool temperate rainforests, lower montane forests, and subalpine scrublands of New Zealand. It can grow up to 15 meters (49 ft) or more in height with a trunk diameter exceeding 1 meter (3 ft 3 in). Southern Rata is notable for its masses of vibrant scarlet flowers that bloom in the summer, with stamens about 2 centimeters (0.79 in) long, although white or yellow flower variants exist. The flowering season typically spans from December to February, influenced by local climatic conditions. The wood of Southern Rata is hard, dense, and very strong, making it valuable for various uses.
Southern Rata is admired for its striking red flowers and is often used as a specimen tree in gardens and parks. It provides ecological benefits, such as nectar for native birds and insects. The tree’s slow growth rate can be improved in ideal conditions with moist, well-draining soil. Southern Rata is suitable for coastal environments due to its resistance to wind and salt spray. It thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water. Propagation is most successful from fresh seed, while cuttings may be challenging to root. This species is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, but gardeners should be aware of potential vulnerability to soil pathogens in poorly drained conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Southern Rata is admired for its striking red flowers and is often used as a specimen tree in gardens and parks. It provides ecological benefits, such as nectar for native birds and insects. The tree’s slow growth rate can be improved in ideal conditions with moist, well-draining soil. Southern Rata is suitable for coastal environments due to its resistance to wind and salt spray. It thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water. Propagation is most successful from fresh seed, while cuttings may be challenging to root. This species is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, but gardeners should be aware of potential vulnerability to soil pathogens in poorly drained conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 15-45 feet
- Width: 7-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Cool temperate rainforests, lower montane forests, and subalpine scrublands of New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Metrosideros umbellata, Metrosideros lucida, Agalmanthus umbellata, Melaleuca lucida, Nania lucida,
GBIF Accepted Name: Metrosideros umbellata Cav.