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We have at least ten Rata species in New Zealand
We have found four in the Tangihuas but there maybe more. They can all be seen on our nature trail, for more information about each one click on the links
- Metrosideros robusta Northern Rata.
- Metrosideros fulgens Scarlet Rata
- Metrosideros perforata Akatea Small white Rata
- Metrosideros diffusa White rata
The Rata of the Tangihuas can be found
Along the lodge road, one directly opposite the nature trail and all along the nature trail.
Rata Description.
Rata belongs to the Myrtle family which includes Manuka, kanuka and swamp Maire and is of the genus Metrosideros which includes Pohutakawa, hence the similar flowers.
Rata all start life as vines abut can become trees such as the northern or southern rata tree.
Except for the trees they tend to be named in English after their flowers e.g
- Crimson Rata – Metrosideros carminea
- Scarlet Rata – Metrosideros fulgens
- White Rata – Metrosideros diffusa
- Small White Rata – Metrosideros perforata
- Large White Rata – Metrosideros robusta
The name, Metrosideros, is derived from the Greek terms, metra and sideron, which mean core/heartwood and iron respectively. This refers to the extremely hard heartwood of many members such as Rata trees and Pohutakawa
Threats and conservation status
2018 – Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable
The fungal disease myrtle rust
As of May 2017 has been found in NZ and posses a threat to all myrtle including Rata’s. There was no known method of controlling the disease in the wild, apart from application of fungicide in very small areas as a last resort. Even if it was eradicated, it could always arrive again from Australia.
Browsing by possums and goats
Pest control
Maori usage
The vines were used to tie up structures such as fences platforms and house frames.
Medicine.
- The sap was used on wounds, for coughs and eye problems.
- The bark was used to help treat diarrhea.
- The inner bark was used for healing sores and to stop bleeding.
- The nectar can be sucked out from he flowers.
Rata differences in Northland
Southern Rata does not get up this far
| Scarlet Rata Akakura, Akatawhiwhi; Pua-tawhiwhi Metrosideros fulgens |
Small white Rata Akatorotoro; Akatoki Metrosideros perforata |
Northern Rata Rata, Rakapika Metrosideros robusta |
White rata Akakura Metrosideros diffusa |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | Vine | Vine | Vine or a Tree | vine |
| Adult size | 10m and often hangs from the tree gets up to 10cm thick | 12m and often hangs from the tree | 25m high with a trunk 2.5m through, gnarled and hollow from dead host tree | grows to about 6m and leaves and branches tend to hang down |
| Juvenile | Vine growing from the forest floor | Vine growing from the forest floor | Vine growing down from a tree | vine growing from ground |
| Flowers | Red in autumn to spring | white in late summer | Red November to January | White |
| Leaves | 30 – 60mm long, Opposite each other They are elongated compared to the rounder white Rata | 8-12mm long opposite each other with obvious dots on the underside | 25-50mm long opposite with emarginate tips (Notch in the center on the end | 20mm or more, mostly rounded at the tip small and shiny |
