Pohutukawa and native bee

Pohutukawa are flowering magnificently all over Wellington - they are the most spectacular tree and we know them as New Zealand's Christmas tree, since that is the time of year when they are in full bloom.

They are covered with beautiful red flowers and the insects just love them as do the birds!

This little native bee has gathered a pollen load but is still very busy adding to it.

They grow along the NZ coast and make a great sight on a summer day, glowing red.