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Health & Fitness

Treeapp Blog #7: Pohutukawa, glorious New Zealand tree.....

Pohutukawa, Metrosideros, New Zealand, Christmas Tree, Crimson flowers

Finally a sign of life from me again. This time from down under in New Zealand, where, for the past 14 days the weather has been more than glorious! Sun, sun, sun, warm weather, superb landscape.....

I thought to introduce you to a particular striking tree: the NZ Pohutukawa or metrosideros excelsa. Deep crimson red spiky flowers that profusely deck the silvery evergreen foliage of this caracteristic tree, a member of the myrtle family and native of this country. It blooms from late December till the end of January. No wonder it is known as the Christmas tree. In Maori legend the sacred Pohutukawa tree, which is estimated to be 800 years old at Cape Reinga, is the tree where past souls descend from this world into the underworld.

Pohutukawas can become massive trees and many trees can be found hanging of wild cliffs along the beaches, where it displays it flowers against the yellow sands. When the flowers are spent, thick red carpets dress the sand. The pohutukawa found its way beyond New Zealand boundaries to California and Spain because of botanical interest. Below a few pictures....

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Frank Buddingh', www.buddinghtree.com

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