The New Zealand Christmas Tree

The pohutukawa tree (Metrosideros excelsa) with its crimson flower has become an established part of the New Zealand Christmas tradition. This iconic Kiwi Christmas tree, which often features on greeting cards and in poems and songs, has become an important symbol for New Zealanders at home and abroad.


i just love pohutukawa! This won't be my one and only shot of the beautiful tree. I will definitely be Blipping a shot of "our" pohutukawa when on holiday in a few weeks time.

I took this at lunchtime just down from the building I work in. I feel this is quite contrasting given pohutukawa is also associated with summer, and the dark bleary day was anything but!