About Metrosideros albiflora Sol. ex Gaertn.
Metrosideros albiflora, also known as large white rātā, produces pure white flowers, with flowering occurring from October to March. Its leaves are leathery and can grow up to 9 centimetres (3.5 inches) long. This plant is a climbing vine that can reach up to 10 m (33 ft) in height; when no support is available, it instead grows into a large bush. An example of this growth form can be seen in regenerating bush at Waima, Northland. In addition to its large white flowers, this species has reddish new foliage. Metrosideros albiflora is known to be exacting and difficult to grow, so it is not common in cultivation. It can however be obtained from specialist plant nurseries. It strongly prefers growing situations where its base is shaded, and does not tolerate excessive drying out. There is one known cultivated variety of this species, Metrosideros albiflora 'Northland', which is listed in the Blue Mountain Nurseries catalog.
