New zealand christmastree
StarMetrosideros excelsa
Synonyms: Metrosideros tomentosa, Nania tomentosa, Metrosideros florida var. aurata
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Maori rongoa (traditional healing), the astringent inner bark of pohutukawa was infused and used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery, applied to wounds to stop bleeding, and used as a mouthwash and gargle, while nectar from the flowers was taken for sore throats (Riley, 1994).
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Botanical Description
Metrosideros excelsa, the pohutukawa or New Zealand Christmas tree, is a large, spreading evergreen tree in the family Myrtaceae, reaching up to 20 m with a broad, often multi-trunked, gnarled crown. Mature trees develop a fibrous, often aerial-rooted bark and tough, leathery leaves that are dark green above and clad in dense white tomentum beneath. In early summer the canopy is smothered in showy crimson flowers whose colour comes chiefly from masses of long red stamens, giving rise to its festive common name. The small woody capsules release fine seed. Endemic to New Zealand, it grows naturally along the coastline and on cliffs, headlands and offshore islands of the upper North Island, tolerating salt spray, wind and poor rocky soils, and is widely planted as an ornamental and street tree.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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