Family
Myrtaceae
Botanical Name
Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Tahiti'
Plant Common Name
Dwarf Pohutukawa, Kermadec Pohutukawa, Tahiti Kermadec Pohutukawa
General Description
The exceptionally small 'Tahiti' is a very compact form of this typically large tree. It blooms continuously, but most heavily from late winter to spring, producing clusters of pretty, puffy orange-red blooms.
A rare broadleaf evergreen tree from New Zealand, the Kermadec pohutukawa bears pompon-like scarlet flowers that look very much like those of the New Zealand Christmas tee (Metrosideros excelsa). Kermadec pohutukawa is native only to Raoul Island (in the Kermadec Islands group), from the coast to the highest elevations, in both arid and rainforest habitats. Usually it develops into a multi-trunked tree with a spreading, dome-like growth habit. The grayish brown bark is smooth to plated.
The leathery dull green leaves have flat to recurved edges and undersides with dense silvery felt. These oval leaves are slightly smaller than those on New Zealand Christmas tree. Clusters of felty flower buds appear on the branch tips from early to late spring, though they can bloom intermittently at other times of year. The puffy flowers have numerous scarlet stamens, sometimes with yellow markings. The flowers are rich in nectar, attracting nectar-loving insects and birds. Dry fruit capsules form later on, which shed many tiny seeds.
Grow the Kermadec pohutukawa in full to partial sun in loam that is fertile, well-drained and slightly acid. It is tolerant of drought, wind and some salt spray. It makes an impressive specimen tree for spacious yards or seaside gardens where frosts don't occur. Trim off developing seed capsules to prevent seed production and encourage reblooming.
This species is often misidentified and mislabeled as the New Zealand Christmas tree in plant nurseries.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Orange Red
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Fruit Color
Sandy Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Fissured
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Edging, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds, Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
