Rata tree.

                                                   Rata Tree.

The flowers of southern rātā are scarlet, with stamens about 2 centimetres 0.79 in long. White or yellow flowers are also known. Flowering usually occurs between December and February, but this depends on local conditions. Leaves are from 3 centimetres 1.2 in to 6 centimetres 2.4 in long, and are sharply pointed. The wood is hard, dense, and very strong. The bark is rough and flaky and provides an ideal stratum for the roots of epiphytic plants such as Astelia species and Freycinetia banksii Kiekie. Southern rātā is a major source of honey on the West Coast of the South Island. Kākā, tui, and bellbirds visit rātā to take advantage of the abundant nectar.

The rātā tree is growing at its southern limits in the Auckland Islands at 50°S