Did you know that New Zealand has its native Christmas tree?

The pohutukawa tree (Metrosideros excelsa) produces bright crimson red flowers around December, thus the nickname New Zealand Christmas tree.

Translated from Maori, pohutukawa means “sprinkled by spray”, which may be the reason they are found planted along shorelines and areas away from frosts.

The flowering pohutukawa may be one of the most loved native trees that has been featured on greeting cards and summer destination brochures – definitely a common sight around Christmas time in the North Island.

You can’t miss this flowering tree providing welcome shade in the summer months whether you’re near the beach, on a picnic, or if you simply want to relax while reading a book under its shade.

Lucky me, I don’t have to go far coz I have my very own pohutukawa in my backyard.

I like it so much that it has also inspired my bedroom this Christmas season.

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