Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Myrtaceae

Genus:

Metrosideros

Species:

Metrosideros polymorpha

USDA Symbol:

MEPO5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

2500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec

Bloom Colors:

red, orange, yellow, salmon, pink

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, native bees, honeycreepers

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Highly fire-adapted; resprouts vigorously from epicormic buds and root crown after fire or volcanic disturbance. Pioneer species on new lava flows.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

volcanic, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.0 - 5.5 (strongly acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

thrives on volcanic substrates; adaptable to various conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination and should be surface-sown. Fresh seed germinates best; viability declines rapidly.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI