Knightia excelsa
Knightia excelsa, commonly known as rewarewa (from Māori), is an evergreen tree endemic to the low elevation and valley forests of New Zealand. It is found in the North Island and at the tip of the South Island in the Marlborough Sounds (41° S)[2] and the type species for the genus Knightia.[3] Rewarewa grows to 30 m tall, with a slender crown.[4] The leaves are alternate, leathery, narrow oblong, 10 – 15 cm long and 2.5 – 3.5 cm wide, and without stipules. The flowers are 2 – 3.5 cm long, bright red, and borne in racemes 10 cm long. Produces dry woody follicles. It was called New Zealand honeysuckle by early European settlers but the name has fallen into disuse in preference for the Māori name. Rewarewa flowers are a great source for honey production. The rewarewa is noted for its timber, which is handsomely figured for interior work although not durable in exposed situations.[5] References
External linksMedia related to Knightia excelsa at Wikimedia Commons Works related to On the Proteaceae of Jussieu at Wikisource
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