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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Metrosideros excelsa is an evergreen Tree growing to 7 m (23ft) by 15 m (49ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Nectar
Edible Uses:

An edible nectar is obtained from the flowers[173].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent Dysentery

Astringent. Used in the treatment of dysentery[46, 61].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedge Hedge Wood

Plants can be used as a hedge, succeeding in exposed maritime positions[166, 200]. Wood - dense, compact, heavy, durable, very strong. Used for ship-making, bearings, machine beds etc[46, 61].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife Hedge Hedge

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a well-drained but moisture-retentive lime-free soil in a sunny position[182, 200]. Plants are somewhat lime-tolerant but are unsuitable for shallow soils over chalk[200]. Very resistant to maritime exposure[166, 200]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[184] and succeeding outdoors only in the mildest areas of the country where it makes a small shrub[1, 200]. Plants grow very well on the Isles of Scilly, where they are cut back by cold perhaps once every twenty years. They usually sprout again from their thick branches[260]. A good bee plant[173]. Very ornamental[1]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, in individual pots in a frame. Good percentage[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Metrosideros robusta	Northern Rata	Tree	6.0	8-11		LMH	N	M	1	0	3
Metrosideros umbellata	Southern Rata	Tree	15.0	8-11		LMH	N	M	0	0	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Metrosideros excelsa - Sol. ex Gaertn.