Northern Rata (Metrosideros robusta)
The Northern Rata is the largest of the trees in the Valley, reaching heights in excess of 30 metres. One multiple trunk of an ancient giant that was on the old five mile track, named ‘the serpent’ must have measured 4 metres in diameter. The tree begins it’s life as a seedling growing in the upper braches of a host tree and its roots then drop to the ground as a vine. Over many years the vine becomes a formidable trunk that becomes self supporting as the host tree dies. The evergreen tree has foliage of dark green, small leathery leaves. The flowers are produced December/January and are tight sprays of deep red stamens borne on the tips of the flowering branches. The honey produced is one of the whitest in the world. Someone (how they worked this out I have no idea) estimated that a mature Rata produces 120 litres of nectar per season. Sadly one of the greatest enemies of this magnificent tree is the opossum which eat the tender shoots and buds and causes severe die back. Another threat is the reducing numbers of Kereru (native wood pigeon) which is the only bird with a beak strong enough to break open the seed shell to start germination.
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