Key Takeaways
- The pōhutukawa tree, also known as Metrosideros polymorpha, is a pioneer species that colonizes fresh lava flows and is native to Hawaii and New Zealand.
- The tree has cultural significance in both Hawaiian and New Zealand traditions, symbolizing endurance and renewal.
- A rare yellow variety of the pōhutukawa, known as Metrosideros excelsa "Aurea", is found in New Zealand and is considered a rare and valuable species.
- A huge specimen of the yellow pōhutukawa was discovered in Okitū, near Gisborne, which challenges the theory that all yellow trees descended from two discovered on Motiti Island in the 1940s.
- The tree is believed to have been grown from seed gathered from a Northland forest over 100 years ago by Taare Werihi, a Māori man who was passionate about preserving native flora.
Introduction to the Pōhutukawa Tree
The pōhutukawa tree, also known as Metrosideros polymorpha, is a stunning species that is native to Hawaii and New Zealand. In Hawaii, it is known as hia lehua and is a pioneer species that colonizes fresh lava flows, turning barren rock into forest. The tree is also found in New Zealand, where it is considered a culturally significant species, particularly among the Māori people. The pōhutukawa tree is known for its vibrant flowers, which come in a range of colors including deep crimson, orange, apricot, yellow, and white.
Cultural Significance of the Pōhutukawa
The pōhutukawa tree has significant cultural importance in both Hawaiian and New Zealand traditions. In Hawaiian tradition, the tree is linked to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, and Laka, the goddess of hula. In New Zealand, the tree is considered a symbol of endurance and renewal, and is often associated with the Māori people’s connection to the natural environment. The tree’s ability to thrive in challenging environments, such as coastal cliffs and lava flows, makes it a powerful symbol of resilience and adaptability.
The Rare Yellow Variety
A rare yellow variety of the pōhutukawa, known as Metrosideros excelsa "Aurea", is found in New Zealand and is considered a rare and valuable species. For decades, experts believed that all yellow trees descended from two discovered on Motiti Island in the 1940s. However, a huge specimen of the yellow pōhutukawa was discovered in Okitū, near Gisborne, which challenges this theory. The tree is believed to have been grown from seed gathered from a Northland forest over 100 years ago by Taare Werihi, a Māori man who was passionate about preserving native flora.
Taare Werihi and the Preservation of Native Flora
Taare Werihi, also known as Charles Ferris, was a Māori man who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a passionate advocate for the preservation of native flora and spent much of his life collecting seeds from primary forests and planting them along the coastline. Werihi was a keen walker and would often embark on long journeys to collect seeds, using ancestral routes to navigate the land. He was also a staunch advocate for the preservation of Māori land and worked to protect his family’s ancestral land from legislative forces that threatened to take it away.
The Significance of the Okitū Tree
The discovery of the huge yellow pōhutukawa in Okitū is significant not only because of its rarity but also because of its connection to Taare Werihi and his legacy of preserving native flora. The tree is believed to be one of the last surviving members of a group of trees planted by Werihi along the Wainui foreshore, and its preservation is a testament to Werihi’s dedication to protecting the natural environment. The tree is also an important part of Māori cultural heritage, and its preservation is essential for maintaining the cultural and spiritual connections between the Māori people and the natural environment.
Conclusion
The pōhutukawa tree is a remarkable species that is native to Hawaii and New Zealand. Its cultural significance, stunning flowers, and ability to thrive in challenging environments make it a beloved and iconic tree. The discovery of the huge yellow pōhutukawa in Okitū is a significant find, not only because of its rarity but also because of its connection to Taare Werihi and his legacy of preserving native flora. The preservation of this tree and others like it is essential for maintaining the cultural and spiritual connections between the Māori people and the natural environment, and for protecting the natural beauty and biodiversity of New Zealand.