New Zealand Christmas Tree (Metrosideros excelsus), FKA (Metrosideros tomentosus).
This is a broadleaf evergreen tree that can have a somewhat shrubby appearance when it’s allowed to grow unchecked. They typically reach a mature height of 35 feet with an equal sized canopy spread. The bark is a rough light brownish to light grey with furrows and small platelets. Older specimens are likely to develop aerial roots in the southern California coastal zones or in other humid regions. They have tough leathery looking leaves that appear to be a soft glossy green on the top and light grey green – white underneath. As the foliage matures the leaf surface turns a darker grey green with a shinier surface and white furry like appearance underneath. They produce bright red bottlebrush like flowers in the summer. (The New Zealand summer is the Christmas season – thus the common name). The bloom is followed by small woody capsules. This tree performs best in temperate to tropical conditions.
© Walter Warriner Consulting Arborist
