Metrosideros robusta aka Northern Rata

Metrosideros robusta, also known as the northern rātā, is a massive forest tree native to New Zealand. It can grow up to 25 meters tall and begins its life as a hemiepiphyte high in the branches of mature forest trees. Over time, the young tree sends descending roots down and around the trunk of its host, forming a hollow pseudotrunk composed of fused roots. In disturbed ground or gaps in the forest cover, northern rātā can grow on the ground with a short trunk. Its small, leathery, dark green leaves are 25-50mm long by 15-25mm wide and have a distinct notch at the tip. The flowers, which appear between November and January, are a mass of dark scarlet stamens. Its bark is corky and provides an ideal stratum for the roots of epiphytic plants. The wood is reddish-brown with a twisted grain. Northern rātā is a rare houseplant that thrives in abundant sunlight and requires regular watering. It should be kept less than 3 feet from a window.