NEW ZEALAND NATIVE PLANTS

MANUKA (Leptospermum scoparium) The Manuka is a common tree found throughout New Zealand. These trees are one of the most widespread of the woody plants in NZ and grow anywhere from coastal swamps to high sub alpine zones. Manuka trees are also known as “tea trees”, a name they got from Captain cook who liked the taste of Manuka and used it to make a tea drink.

PEPPER TREE (Macropiper excelsum), also known as kawakawa The pepper tree, kawakawa, is found growing in the lowland forests of New Zealand. It has heart shaped leaves The pepper tree gets its name from its spicy, peppery flavoured leaves. Has anyone ever bitten into a pepper tree leaf??

KOWHAI TREE (Sophora microphylla) Kowhai trees are famous for their beautiful bright yellow flowers They have very small leaves Kowhai grow throughout New Zealand and are a common feature in gardens

POHUTAKAWA (Metrosideros excelsa) Pohutakawa trees have bright, flame coloured, pom pom shaped flowers It is mainly found in the North Island Pohutakawa trees are sometimes known as the New Zealand Christmas Tree.

HARAKEKE (Phormium tenax), also known as N.Z. flax Harakeke has yellow, red or orange flowers These plants have tough, sword shaped leaves which can grow up to three metres long! Harakeke are found all across New Zealand and have been widely distributed around the world as ornamental plants

RATA There are two types of Rata, the Northern (Metrosideros robusta) and Southern ((Metrosideros umbellata). Rata trees have glossy dark green leaves and trunks that are often gnarled and twisted. The Southern Rata can grow up to 15 metres tall The Rata tree is in trouble because although brushtail possums eat a variety of plants they show a strong preference (liking) for Rata