Râtâ is considered a chiefly tree (râkau rangatira) by Mâori and was highly prized for making weapons, paddles and flutes due to the tree’s hardness and durability. The nectar was used by Mâori as a food and a medicinal remedy and is known to have good antiseptic qualities. Native birds such as tûî, bellbird and kâkâ also benefit from the nectar.
Râtâ have glossy leaves and the trunks are gnarled and twisted. Râtâ usually begin life as an epiphyte (a small plant perched on a host tree) high in the forest canopy. Its roots grow down to the ground, and eventually enclose the host tree to become a huge tree of up to 25 metres high. The brilliant red flowers appear during the summer period and are absolutely stunning in contrast with the green leafy background of the forest.
2 Comments
11/11/2020 06:50:31 pm
Trees that bear flowers are rare. But râkau rangatira is special, because locals use it for many purposes and has been helping them since before. Almost everything of the tree is being used, it is truly a wonder tree. But there are times when there are dead branches, it becomes a threat to the people around it. That's why tree care and trimming is important too. Specially old trees will have more brittle branches.
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3/4/2021 09:17:57 am
I am so happy I found your blog and I absolutely love your information about the chiefly tree and the tips you have shared are awesome. I liked and it is wonderful to know about so many things that are useful for all of us! Thanks a lot for this amazing blog!!
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