Nikau flowers

The Nikau palm is the southernmost member of the palm family, and the only native palm species in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Large clusters of mauve flowers burst from the base of the lowest branch. The flowers produce a sticky sweet nectar which attract insects and birds like the Tui. The bright red Nikau fruits take a year or longer to ripen, and attract the Kereru (wood pigeon) and the Kaka. Last year's flowers produce this year's fruit at about the time that this year's flowers burst out.