If you’ve ever had a Christmas card from New Zealand, it may well have had a picture of some bright, red flowers on it. These are the flowers of the pōhutukawa tree, which has earned this tree the title of New Zealand’s Christmas tree.
Pōhutukawa can also be found in Māori mythology. The young Māori warrior, Tawhaki went to find help in heaven to avenge his father’s death. However, he fell to earth and the crimson flowers are said to represent his blood.
Check out Project Crimson to read about the preservation of these trees.
Just one more post to go before Christmas Eve, so thanks to all the bloggers and readers out there who have supported me through blogmas – almost there!
Thistles and Kiwis 
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