They are part of 'kiwiana' and belong to the myrtle family and they are uniquely adapted to colonising bare lava. They have masses of aerial roots which can take hold on the unstable rock and flower early, so as to seed sooner than other plants. The massed flowers are on the branch ends and hold copious amounts of nectar.
The largest collection of pohutukawas is on Rangitoto Island, Auckland's youngest volcano. The forests there are also home to large flocks of kereru.
The largest pohutukawa is 20 metres high and 39 metres across - that's some tree!!
There are two types of pohutukawa - the mainland, red flowering one and the yellow or white pohutukawa which is endemic to Raol Island.
What's special about this tree?
The roots store water and can be aerial across metres of rock. They grow horizontally from clifftops with their root support systems.
The bark is thick to protect the tree from drought and even the leaves are hairy underneath, to prevent water loss and on the upper part, coated with a shiny layer of wax.
The leaves can be replaced quickly in times of loss because of storms, they regrow at an unprecedented rate.
However, they are threatened by possums here, sensitive to fire and their roots are easily destroyed by walking over them. Herds of cows and sheep decimate them.
It was discovered that only 9.5% of pohutukawa seeds are fertile and we don't know why. So there's still a battle on to ensure this beautiful tree doesn't disappear.
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