T.E.R:R.A.I.N - Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network


Kermadec Pohutukawa

Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids 
Order: Myrtales 
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Metrosideros 
Species: M. kermadecensis 
Scientific name: Metrosideros kermadecensis
Common name: Kermadec pohutukawa

Kermadec pohutukawa (Metrosideros kermadacensis) is an evergreen dominant tree of the myrtle family which is endemic to the volcanic Kermadec Islands which are more than 1,000 kilometres north-east of New Zealand (NZ territory). It has been widely planted in mainland New Zealand, where it grows as a compact tree up to 15 metres tall with a trunk is up to 1 m or more in diameter. It has smaller, rounder leaves than New Zealand pohutukawa, and flowers sporadically through the year.

 

Photo of flowering Metrosideros kermadacensis with waxyeye . 
Photographed from location Lat 39 3'42.378" S   Long 174 5'40.418E   Datum WGS 84