Rewarewa

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iRewarewa

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Proteales
Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Knightia
Species: K. excelsa
Binomial name
Knightia excelsa
R. Br.

Rewarewa (Knightia excelsa) is a tree endemic to New Zealand. It grows to 30 m tall, with a slender crown. The leaves are evergreen, alternate, leathery, narrow oblong, 10 - 15 cm long and 2.5 - 3.5 cm broad. The flowers are 2 - 3.5 cm long, bright red, borne in racemes 10 cm long.

It was called "New Zealand honeysuckle" by early European settlers but the name has fallen into disuse in preference for the Māori name of rewarewa.

Rewarewa flowers are a great source for honey production.