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High up in the Rata Tree

By MaryFaith
NZ native Rata Tree.
Taken in the Wanganui Heritage Reserve at "Bushy Park"
Northern rātā (Metrosideros robusta), is a huge forest tree endemic to New Zealand. It grows up to 40 m or taller, and usually begins its life as a hemiepiphyte high in the branches of a mature forest tree; over centuries the young tree sends descending and girdling roots down and around the trunk of its host, eventually forming a massive, frequently hollow pseudotrunk composed of fused roots. (Source - Wikipedia')
The plants photographed on the Rata are mostly 'perching lilies' or kahakaha, Collospermum hastatum. There is an epiphytic Pittosporum in the picture, P. cornifolium. It's one of the rarest plants in Bushy Park,
This tree is believed to be approx 600 years old.

Tags: Forest Tree Roots Native Nz Wildlife and nature Rata Wanganui Epiphyte Pseudotrunk

Voters: NDODS, Maiwand, PhilT2


Uploaded:
22 May 2014 3:19AM
Camera:
Canon Powershot S95
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Comments


NDODS Plus
11 5.3k 128 United Kingdom
22 May 2014 3:35AM
An interesting and informative narrative supported by a wonderful image ...

Regards NathanGrinGrinGrin

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