Pōhutukawa
New Zealand's red-flowered coastal Christmas tree; it gives ample nectar and pollen in December-January, and its pale honey sets fast and white.
- Nectar
- Good
- Pollen
- Good
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSouthern hemisphere months
- Crystallisation
- Fast
- Height
- 10-20 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Pōhutukawa is a spreading tree of the North Island coasts of New Zealand that is covered in early summer with bright red flowers made of tufts of stamens. Its flowers are adapted to bird pollination, but thanks to plenty of nectar and pollen honey bees work it intensively too. In coastal areas it gives one of the first honeys of the season.
Flowering
It flowers in December and January, around Christmas in New Zealand, which is why it is also known locally as the Christmas tree. Flowering of individual trees lasts a few weeks.
Honey and pollen
The honey is very light in colour, mild and with a characteristic aroma; it crystallises quickly into a white, fine-grained, creamy texture.
Note for the beekeeper
Because it is restricted to the coast, pure honey is obtained only from seaside apiaries. It is planted as an ornamental tree in some regions with a Mediterranean climate and naturalises here and there. It has no importance for beekeeping in Europe or Turkey; the entry is for information.