Merry Christmas and seasons greetings to all our Daffnet members ..
Our N Z Christmas tree is just starting to flower here in time for Christmas .
Metrosideros excelsa is called the New Zealand Christmas Tree and will be
starting to flower in most North Island areas about now ..
It is a N Z native , a great salt proof coastal tree and when in full bloom
is a spectacular site ; a mass of crimson red flower bunches .
The openning buds are market as florist flowers , popular for Christmas
arrangements as are the open flower clusters .
Many selections are now available , offering a range of colours and different
growth styles from hedging forms to 20 meter large shade trees ..
The northern beaches in particular are bordered by these colourful shade trees
and they make great shelter screens as they respond well to trimming ..
The Maori name is Pohutukawa — meaning “drenched with spray ” – a true
reference to their ability to survive right by the sea and tolerate severe seaspray .
Maori tradition is that if they flower early , – well before Christmas , it will be a long ,
hot summer.
Looks like just an average summer as they certainly are not early this year .
Always a great , vibrant start to the New Zealand summer holiday season .
Summer Solstice ( possibly 4 Y – O Kiwi Solstice ) , in New Zealand is at
12 – 38 pm Wednesday 22 December — then heading back north ..
Merry Christmas John McLennan jfmdaffs ..