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Pohutukawa

Pohutukawa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae[?]
Genus: Metrosideros[?]
Species: Excelsa
Sometimes called the New Zealand Christmas Tree, the Pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) is a coastal tree that grows in the North Island of New Zealand.

Pohutukawa grow to around fifteen metres, with a fairly large round canopy. They flower in late December (the sourthern hemisphere summer), with a brilliant crimson flower covering the canopy, hence their nickname.

The giant pohutukawa in Te Araroa[?] on the East Coast is reputed to be the largest in the country, but fine examples can be found in just about any New Zealand coastal city.