Scarlet rata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scarlet rata |
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| Metrosideros fulgens produces brilliant red flowers in winter | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Metrosideros
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| Species: |
fulgens
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| Synonyms | |
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Metrosideros scandens |
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The scarlet rātā (scientific name: Metrosideros fulgens) is a special type of vine that grows in the forests of New Zealand. In the Māori language, it's called akatawhiwhi. This plant is endemic to New Zealand, meaning it's found naturally only there.
You can find scarlet rātā in forests near the coast and in lower areas across the North Island, on the west coast of the South Island, and on the Three Kings Islands. It's one of several Metrosideros plants in New Zealand that grow as vines. Other rātā plants, like the northern rātā (M.robusta), often start growing on other trees and become huge trees themselves.
Scarlet rātā is well-known because it blooms in autumn or winter. Its bright red flowers (sometimes orange or yellow) stand out against the green forest. You can often spot them easily from forest roads, as they grow high up on host trees.
What Does Scarlet Rātā Look Like?
The scarlet rātā loves warm, damp places. It can grow very long, up to 10 meters (about 33 feet) or more! Its main stem can become quite thick, reaching 10 cm (about 4 inches) across.
This vine climbs trees in a similar way to ivy. It sends out short roots that help it stick to the bark of other trees. These roots grab onto rough surfaces, helping the plant climb higher. When the plant is young, its climbing shoots grow quickly to make the plant longer.
After about a year, the short clinging roots usually die. This means that when the vine is fully grown, its thick, twisted stems hang freely from the host tree. These stems look like thick, sometimes twisted ropes with reddish-brown bark that peels off. The leaves of the scarlet rātā are mostly rounded at their tips.
The scarlet rātā flowers from autumn through spring. After flowering, it produces seed capsules, which take about a year to fully ripen.
Growing Scarlet Rātā in Gardens
People also grow different types of scarlet rātā in their gardens. These types, called 'cultivars', are often chosen for their beautiful flower colors.
- Metrosideros fulgens 'Gold: This type has bright yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to early winter. It grows to about 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall and wide, taking several years to reach its full size. It has pretty light green leaves and can even be trimmed to form a natural hedge. This yellow variety was first found in 1890 near Collingwood.
- Metrosideros fulgens 'Jaffa: This is a smaller, bushier type that produces bright, burnt-orange flowers. It was discovered in the mid-1990s on the Coromandel Peninsula and has been available since 2001.
- Metrosideros fulgens 'Orange Princess: This type was released in 2000. It looks very similar to 'Jaffa' and came from the Onaero River valley.
- Metrosideros fulgens 'Red Glow: This type has orangey-red flowers, which are more like the usual scarlet rātā. Its origin isn't well-known, but it's been available for a few years.
Besides these special types, you can also buy regular scarlet rātā plants from nurseries that specialize in plants.
See also
In Spanish: Metrosideros fulgens para niños
