Knightia excelsa aka New Zealand Honeysuckle

Knightia excelsa is an evergreen tree from New Zealand. It belongs to the Proteaceae family. Common names include New Zealand honeysuckle, New Zealand oak, and rewa-rewa. It grows in forests on the North Island. Its range also reaches the northern tip of South Island. These forests extend from lowlands into mountain areas.

The tree forms a tall, narrow cone with upright growth. In gardens, it often reaches 26–33 feet (8–10 metres). The RHS also gives a garden height range reaching 39 feet (12 metres). Wild trees can reach 98 feet (30 metres). Its spread can exceed 26 feet (8 metres). The tree takes 20–50 years to reach full size. A reddish-brown felt covers the young shoots. Young leaves are narrow and yellow-green, with coarse teeth along their edges. Older leaves become dark green, firm, and oblong. The tree keeps its leaves through the year.

Dense flower spikes appear from late spring into early summer. The small flowers are reddish, with rolled petals and long styles. Woody brown seed pods follow the flowers. The flowers yield nectar that people can extract for food. PFAF reports that this nectar contains about 45 percent sugar. Its food use does not establish that other parts are edible. PFAF lists no known hazards and no known medicinal uses.

Choose fertile soil that drains well but retains some moisture. Acid to neutral soil suits this tree. It can grow in clay, loam, or sand. Give it full sun or light shade. Shelter it from cold winds, and protect young plants from frost. Once established, it can cope with some drought. It does not cope with waterlogged ground. The RHS assigns it hardiness rating H1C. PFAF lists USDA zones 8–11, so the sources give differing hardiness guidance.

Its upright form makes it a specimen tree for warmer gardens. It also suits woodland edges and sites with dappled shade. PFAF notes its value for wildlife. Woodworkers prize its patterned timber for fine work and inlay. It needs little pruning and has few reported disease problems. Thrips may attack it. Propagate it from seed or summer semi-ripe cuttings. Cuttings need heat from below and can take time to root.