Parkinson's rātā
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Metrosideros
Species:
M. parkinsonii
Binomial name
Metrosideros parkinsonii
Buchanan

Metrosideros parkinsonii, also known as Parkinson's rātā or shrubby rata, is a shrub or small tree endemic to New Zealand. The name commemorates Sydney Parkinson, Captain James Cook's botanical artist during his first voyage to New Zealand.

Description

The flowers of M. parkinsonii are usually crimson, and flowering is usually from September until December. Foliage varies from dark green to light green, with leaves usually clasped against the branches. Flowers will often appear directly from branches, and can sometimes be hidden behind the foliage.

Conservation

As of 2012, M. parkinsonii is not regarded as threatened.[1] It naturally occurs in the west coast of the South Island, from Hokitika to Collingwood, as well as Great Barrier and Little Barrier Islands in the Hauraki Gulf.

Cultivation

Metrosideros parkinsonii is a difficult plant to establish. This species is mainly grown for its attractive flowers. Plants may need some pruning and training to achieve a good shape and it can be grown against walls or fences or as a specimen plant.[2]

It is seldom available through nurseries but is occasionally available from Oratia Native Plant Nursery.[3]

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Metrosideros parkinsonii.
  1. ↑ "Metrosideros parkinsonii". NZ Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  2. ↑ "Metrosideros in cultivation: Rata and other species" (PDF). New Zealand Garden Journal. 13 (2): 8. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  3. ↑ "Metrosideros parkinsonii". Oratia Native Plant Nursery. Oratia Native Plant Nursery. Retrieved 23 November 2014.

Further reading

  • Salmon, J.T., 1986. The Native Trees of New Zealand. Wellington: Heinneman Reed.
  • Simpson, P., 2005. Pōhutukawa & Rātā: New Zealand's Iron-Hearted Trees. Wellington: Te Papa Press.
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