New Zealand Christmas Tree
Metrosideros excelsa
NEMBA: Category 1a
English: New Zealand Christmas Tree, Coastal Ironwood, Ironwood, Pohutukawa
Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as the New Zealand Christmas Tree or Coastal Ironwood, is a large evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It is renowned for its striking crimson flowers that bloom in summer, along with its glossy, dark green leaves and gnarled, spreading branches.
While valued as an ornamental tree in coastal areas, it is considered an invasive alien species in South Africa. It spreads through wind-dispersed seeds and can colonise coastal cliffs, dunes, and rocky outcrops, out-competing native vegetation.
Its ability to thrive in harsh coastal conditions and its aggressive growth make it a threat to local biodiversity, particularly in sensitive ecosystems like coastal fynbos.
Have you got a better picture?
If you don't mind us using it, please upload it by clicking the Upload button below (you must be logged in to do this)
Origins: New Zealand
Overall Appearance: An evergreen, coastal tree with a spreading, often buttressed trunk that can reach 20 meters or more in height
Leaves: Leathery, oblong-shaped leaves, 5-10 cm long. Dark green and glossy on the upper surface, paler and often hairy beneath.
Flowers: Showy, crimson-red flowers composed of numerous long stamens. Flowers appear in dense clusters at the ends of branches in summer (December to January).
Fruits: Woody, cup-shaped capsules containing numerous small seeds.
Seeds: Small, winged seeds easily dispersed by wind.
Bark: Greyish-brown, rough bark that often peels in flakes.
Wood: Hard, dense, and durable wood.
Soil Type: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including sandy soils.
Aspect: Full sun.
Uses:
Ornamental tree (though its invasive potential makes it unsuitable for planting in many areas).
Traditionally used by Māori for medicinal purposes.
Provinces Affected: While not currently a widespread problem in South Africa, it has the potential to become invasive in all coastal areas.
Friendly alternatives:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Myrtaceae (Greek and Latin plant name) - Order: Myrtales