rewarewa
about.
Knightia excelsa | rewarewa, NZ honeysuckle
A fast-growing, slender evergreen tree ideal for small gardens and restricted spaces. Its columnar form, similar to a poplar, allows it to reach impressive heights without taking up much width. It features striking maroon, bottlebrush-like flowers in early summer, attracting birds like tui, and has large, serrated, leathery leaves. Tolerant of poor soils, wind, and light frosts, it makes an excellent street tree.
typical habitat.
lowland forest
mountaine forest
coastal forest
valley forest
drainage.
well drained
moist
sun.
full sun
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 30m
width | 8m / 1m (trunk)
pollinators calendar.
flowering | (September-) October-December
fruiting | October-January (fruit takes a year to mature, so fruit and flowers may co-occur)
did you know?
The distinctively curved seed pods of the rewarewa are said to have inspired the design of traditional Māori waka