Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as the northern rātā, is a forest tree endemic to New Zealand. It grows up to 25 metres (82 ft) or taller, and usually begins its life as a hemiepiphyte high in the branches of a mature forest tree; over centuries the young tree sends descending and girdling roots down and around the trunk of its host, eventually forming a massive, frequently hollow pseudotrunk composed of fused roots. In disturbed ground, or where there are gaps in the forest cover, northern rātā will grow on the ground with a normal but short trunk.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Northern rātā being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Metrosideros bartlettii
- Metrosideros umbellata
- Metrosideros excelsa
- Coprosma chathamica
- Syzygium maire
- Metrosideros fulgens
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Order
- Myrtales
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Genus
- Metrosideros
- Species
- Metrosideros robusta
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