Knightia excelsa
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Knightia excelsa, commonly known as rewarewa (from Māori), is an evergreen tree endemic to the low elevation and valley forests of New Zealand. It is found in the North Island and at the tip of the South Island in the Marlborough Sounds (41° S)<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> and the type species for the genus Knightia.<ref name="ing">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Rewarewa grows to Template:Convert tall, with a slender crown.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> 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.Template:Cn
The rewarewa is known for its timber, which is handsomely figured for interior work although not durable in exposed situations.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
GalleryEdit
- Knightia excelsa 458134915.jpg
Inflorescence of flowers
- Knightia excelsa 464430535.jpg
Adult foliage
- Knightia excelsa 471709115.jpg
Tree in flower
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
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