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Wednesday, 14 December 2011

Pohutukawa Trees - NZs indigenous Christmas trees are aflame !

The Pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) is a coastal evergreen tree in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, that produces a brilliant display of red flowers made up of a mass of stamens. The Pōhutukawa is one of twelve Metrosideros species endemic to New Zealand. Renowned for its vibrant colour and its ability to survive even perched on rocky, precarious cliffs, it has found an important place in New Zealand culture for its strength and beauty and is regarded as a chiefly tree (rākau rangatira) by Māori.[1] (Wikipedia).


                        


2 comments:

  1. This was one of the first things we learnt about when we moved to NZ. This year at my son's school concert he proudly belted out the song along with the Kiwi Kids. Still working on his pronunciation - "Pootookaaawa" tree is his version, but sung with gusto and pride! Got to love them.

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  2. Fabulous Sandra ! There are some interesting fables and tales about the 'Pootookaaawa' Trees in Maori-dom too - considered as spiritual trees !

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