New Zealand Rata

Did you know

• Northern rata begins life as an epiphyte, germinating high in a host tree and sending roots down to the ground that eventually envelop and kill the host.
• The vivid crimson flowers are composed entirely of stamens with no petals, similar to its relative the pohutukawa.
• Rata honey is a premium New Zealand product with a delicate, mild flavor and creamy white color.
• Some rata trees are estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
• The extremely dense, hard timber was historically used for railway sleepers and bridge construction in New Zealand.

Color meanings

Uses

• timber
• honey production
• ornamental
• conservation