I was recently able to identify this plant as the New Zealand Christmas Tree or PÅhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa). It had been raining the day I took this shot which made it look like the shrub was decorated for an early Christmas.
Even these buds look like baubles don't you think?
I've only seen the plant as a shrub or hedge but apparently it grows to a sizeable tree and it seems to be a popular Council plant judging by the number of examples I see planted on footpaths here on the Sunshine Coast. It's been in flower for ages too although I read it flowers from November through to January; perhaps that's only in New Zealand.
I've only seen the plant as a shrub or hedge but apparently it grows to a sizeable tree and it seems to be a popular Council plant judging by the number of examples I see planted on footpaths here on the Sunshine Coast. It's been in flower for ages too although I read it flowers from November through to January; perhaps that's only in New Zealand.
