Rātā Metrosideros species

Aka Rata c1885 NZ by Sarah Featon Purchased 1919 Te Papa 1992 0035 227777

Aka. Rata, circa 1885, New Zealand, by Sarah Featon. Purchased 1919. Te Papa (1992-0035-227777) https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/549712?page=1&rtp=1&ros=1&asr=1&assoc=all&mb=c

Rātā (Metrosideros species) produces striking flowers with many long stamens. Native birds, insects and sometimes lizards visit them for nectar. After fertilisation, small capsules develop and release numerous tiny seeds, which can be carried by wind. The same plant can use animals to pollinate its flowers and wind to disperse its seeds.