Story: Tall broadleaf trees

Southern rātā flowers

Southern rātā flowers

Compared with northern rātā, southern rātā (Metrosideros umbellata) has few flowers in each cluster. The nectar-bearing cup in the centre of the flower can be clearly seen. Birds, lizards and insects are attracted to the nectar. They often pollinate the plant as they move from flower to flower, brushing against pollen-laden anthers and receptive stigmas.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Jock Phillips

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Tall broadleaf trees - Tree rātā', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13705/southern-rata-flowers (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 24 Sep 2007