Rewarewa facts for kids
The rewarewa, also known as the New Zealand honeysuckle, is a beautiful evergreen tree found only in New Zealand. Its scientific name is Knightia excelsa. This special tree is famous for its bright red flowers and its useful timber. It's also a great source of honey!
Quick facts for kids Rewarewa |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Knightieae
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| Genus: |
Knightia
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| Species: |
K. excelsa
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| Binomial name | |
| Knightia excelsa |
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| Synonyms | |
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Rymandra excelsa Salisb. |
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Rewarewa: New Zealand's Special Tree
The rewarewa tree is endemic to New Zealand. This means it grows naturally only in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world. You can find it in the low-lying forests and valleys of New Zealand's North Island and the Marlborough Sounds.
What Does Rewarewa Look Like?
Rewarewa trees can grow very tall, up to 30 meters (about 98 feet) high. They have a slim, narrow top, which is called a crown.
Their leaves are tough and leathery. They are long and narrow, usually about 10 to 15 centimeters (4-6 inches) long and 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters (1-1.4 inches) wide. The leaves grow in an alternating pattern along the branches.
The rewarewa's flowers are very striking. They are bright red and grow in clusters called racemes, which can be up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) long. Each flower is about 2 to 3.5 centimeters (0.8-1.4 inches) long. After flowering, the tree produces dry, woody seed pods.
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Why Is Rewarewa Important?
Early European settlers in New Zealand called this tree "New Zealand honeysuckle." However, that name is not used much anymore. Most people now use its original Māori name, rewarewa.
The flowers of the rewarewa tree are a fantastic source for honey production. Bees love them, and the honey made from rewarewa flowers is quite special.
Rewarewa is also known for its timber. The wood has beautiful patterns, making it popular for indoor projects like furniture or decorative items. However, it's not very strong if left outside in the weather.
