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Trees and Shrubs of New Zealand

The classic New Zealand  identification guide. Every home should have one. Buy it here.

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The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Native Trees

 The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Native Trees

J.T. Salmon

Which Native Plant Can I Grow Here?

 Which Native Plant Can I Grow Here?

Andrew Crowe

100 Best NZ Native Plants for Gardens

 100 Best NZ Native Plants for Gardens

Native plant prints

Pohutukawa Diana Adams Art Print

Knightia excelsa rewa rewa

rewarewa

Knightia excelsa rewarewa

 

Rewarewa is a tall and columnar tree reaching 30 meters.
The oblanceolate leaves may be 10-15 cm. long with margins coarsely serrated. The flowers have a velvety bloom and are red-yellow in colour. The fruit is a follicle to 4-6cm.
A tree of ridges and dry spots.

North Cape to Marlborough.

Rewarewa has a wind-dispersed winged seed similar in shape and size to Kauri. As the seed pods ripen it pays to keep a regular observation. When the pods begin to ripen, place an onion bag over them, so when the pod breaks the seed does not blow away. Or pick seeds whenthe pods suggest maturity and let them open in a brown paper bag placed in a warm dry spot.
A tall attractive slender tree. The seeds germinate freely. The seedlings should not be over-watered as this a plant of arid places.

The wood is very attractive with a rich flecked grain.

rewarewa

Knightia excelsa rewarewa flowers

 

Rewarewa

A large hangi was made to cook ti (Cordyline) root, possibly 8 ft in diamtere or more, and large stones wereused for it, many people collecting to assist the task. The wood of the rewarewa was not allowed to be used for this purpose ( to heat the oven) because its wood, when decayed, is phosphorescent, like a glow worm, which latter is the offspring of Tanagaroa-piri-whare, themischief maker, and if the wood was used for such a purpose some mishap would occur to future crops.

Maori agriculture Elsdon Best DM Bulletin No.9 1925.


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I recommend the following books on New Zealand native plants
100 Best NZ Native Plants for Gardens
The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Native Trees
Trees and Shrubs of New Zealand
Gardener's Encyclopaedia of NZ Native Plants
A Photographic Guide to Ferns of New Zealand
New Zealand Trees and Shrubs: A Comprehensive Guide to Cultivation and Identification
From Weta to Kauri: A Guide to the NZ Forest
Which Native Forest Plant? (Which S.)