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Metrosideros robusta - A.Cunn.

Common Name Northern Rata
Family Myrtaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Coastal to lower montane forest, south to latitude 42° 30' south, North and South Islands[44]. Often found as an epiphyte, sending its roots down through the moss surrounding its host[166].
Range New Zealand.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Metrosideros robusta Northern Rata


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Metrosideros robusta Northern Rata

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of cone
Metrosideros robusta is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 15 m (49ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in 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.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Hedge  Hedge  Wood

Plants can be used as a hedge, succeeding in exposed maritime positions[166, 200]. Wood - dense, hard, heavy, durable. Used for bridges, carriages 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]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, succeeding outdoors only in the mildest areas of the country where it makes a small shrub[1, 182, 200]. A very ornamental plant[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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The PFAF Bookshop

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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

Native Plant Search

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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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Metrosideros excelsaPohutukawaTree7.0 7-10  LMHNM113
Metrosideros umbellataSouthern RataTree15.0 8-11  LMHNM003

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.

 

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Expert comment

Author

A.Cunn.

Botanical References

44200

Links / References

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