Knightia excelsa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Proteales
Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Knightia
Species:
K. excelsa
Binomial name
Knightia excelsa
(Knight) R. Br.[1]
Knightia excelsa is native to New Zealand[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Rymandra excelsa Knight

Knightia excelsa, commonly called rewarewa (from Māori), is an evergreen tree endemic to the low elevation and valley forests of New Zealand's North Island and Marlborough Sounds (41° S)[2] and the type species for the genus Knightia.[3]

Rewarewa grows to 30 m tall, with a slender crown. 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.[4]

Rewarewa in flower

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Knightia excelsa (Knight) R.Br". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  2. ↑ Meylan, BA; BG Butterfield (1973). "Scanning Electron Micrographs of New Zealand Woods 2. Knightia excelsa R.Br". New Zealand Journal of Botany. XI: 201–12. doi:10.1080/0028825x.1973.10430273.
  3. ↑ "Knightia". Index Nominum Genericorum. International Association for Plant Taxonomy. 9 February 1996. Retrieved 28 June 2008.
  4. ↑ Metcalf, L. J. (Lawrence James) (2011). The cultivation of New Zealand trees and shrubs (Rev. and updated ed.). Auckland, N.Z.: Raupo. ISBN 9780143565611. OCLC 753700257.

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