Metrosideros excelsa (New Zealand Christmas Tree)

Native to northern New Zealand, Metrosideros excelsa, known as pōhutukawa, is a spreading coastal tree that often develops several trunks and hanging clusters of aerial roots. Its thick, leathery leaves have a dense covering of white hairs underneath. The brilliant red flower clusters consist of numerous long, crimson stamens. Flowering around Christmas in its homeland has earned it the name New Zealand Christmas tree. Woody capsules split into three sections and release tiny, threadlike seeds. Introduced possums can seriously damage mature trees by repeatedly browsing their foliage, while myrtle rust is another conservation concern. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.