Care of the tree Metrosideros excelsa or Iron tree |
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The genus Metrosideros, family Myrtaceae, comprises 60 species of shrubs and trees native to New Zealand, Australia, Polynesia and Malaysia. Some species are: Metrosideros excelsa, Metrosideros collina, Metrosideros umbellata, Metrosideros robusta, Metrosideros fulgens. Common names: Iron tree, Pohutukawa, New Zealand Christmas tree, New Zealand Christmas bush. This species is native to New Zealand. They are shrubs or evergreen trees that reach 20 meters (65.6 feet) in height. The leaves are opposite and ovate or lanceolate in shape. The showy 5-petal flowers have red filaments that contrast with the green of the foliage. They bloom from late fall to mid-winter. They are used as greenhouse plants, as indoor plants (with good lighting), as isolated specimens and in small groups. The Metrosideros excelsa needs full sun exposure, better next to a wall. They do not resist cold below 5 ºC (41 ºF) or excessive heat. The soil can be a normal commercial substrate with 20% organic matter. The transplant is done in autumn. Water regularly so that the substrate is damp but without waterlogging. Fertilize every 15 days in summer with mineral fertilizer. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases; they are sensitive to overwatering. They propagate by cuttings in spring, by layering or by seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the tree Metrosideros excelsa or Iron tree |
 Metrosideros excelsa  Metrosideros excelsa  Metrosideros excelsa variegata  Metrosideros excelsa variegata |