Climbing rata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Colenso's rātā |
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| Colenso's rātā flowering in Carter Scenic Reserve, Carterton, New Zealand | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Metrosideros
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| Species: |
colensoi
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| Synonyms | |
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Nania colensoi |
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The Colenso's rātā, also known as the climbing rata, is a special plant found only in New Zealand. It's a type of forest vine or liane. This means it grows by climbing up other trees.
Unlike some other rātā plants, which can become huge trees, the Colenso's rātā stays a vine. It can grow up to about 6 metres (20 feet) tall. When it flowers, you'll see pretty clusters of pink or white blooms. A cool thing about this plant is how its branches hang down, looking like a "hanging curtain." This is quite rare among New Zealand's native plants. The plant is named after William Colenso, an early explorer and botanist who studied New Zealand's plants.
What Does Colenso's Rātā Look Like?
The flowers of the Colenso's rātā are usually white or a light pink colour. They typically bloom from November to January. Its leaves are a dark green, but new growth appears in a brighter, lighter green, which makes it easy to spot.
You'll often find this rātā vine climbing up tall trees in the forest. However, it also loves to grow on limestone cliffs. Here, it can climb without much disturbance. You can find it in lowland forests as far south as Greymouth and Kaikoura in New Zealand.
Is Colenso's Rātā Safe?
Good news! As of 2012, the Colenso's rātā is not considered an endangered plant. This means it's doing well in its natural home.
Growing Colenso's Rātā
Even though it's a beautiful plant, Colenso's rātā isn't grown in gardens as much as it could be. Many people think it's even better than some other rātā species that are more commonly planted. This is because of its neat growth shape and those unique, downward-arching branches that give it a lot of character.
