Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as rewarewa (from Māori), is an evergreen tree endemic to the low elevation and valley forests of New Zealand. It is found in the North Island and at the tip of the South Island in the Marlborough Sounds (41° S) and the type species for the genus Knightia.

Rewarewa grows to 30 metres (100 feet) tall, with a slender crown. The leaves are alternate, leathery, narrow oblong, 10 – 15 cm long and 2.5 – 3.5 cm wide, and without stipules. The flowers are 2 – 3.5 cm long, bright red, and borne in racemes 10 cm long. Produces dry woody follicles.

It was called New Zealand honeysuckle by early European settlers but the name has fallen into disuse in preference for the Māori name. Rewarewa flowers are a great source for honey production.

The rewarewa is known for its timber, which is handsomely figured for interior work although not durable in exposed situations.

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  Inflorescence of flowers
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  Adult foliage
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  Tree in flower

Media related to Knightia excelsa at Wikimedia Commons Works related to On the Proteaceae of Jussieu at Wikisource

• The Royal Society of New Zealand (1989). "Family Proteaceae". Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand (Volume 12 ed.). Wellington: The Royal Society of New Zealand. Retrieved 28 June 2008.