Herb: Rewarewa


Latin name: Knightia excelsa


Family: Proteaceae



Edible parts of Rewarewa:

The flowers are very rich in nectar, this can be extracted and used as food. It contains about 45% sugars.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Tree

Height:
20 m
(66 feet)

Flowering:
July to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Lowland to montane forest in North Island and on the northern tip of South Island.

Other uses of Rewarewa:

Wood - handsomely variegated. Highly valued for superior woodwork, inlay etc.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Cultivation of Rewarewa:

Lowland to montane forest in North Island and on the northern tip of South Island.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Knightia excelsa:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.