Description
M. excelsa enjoys robust growth similar to its red counterparts up to an approximate maximum height of 10m with a spreading deep-green canopy up to 10m wide. A hardy variant said to have originated from Motiti Island, it tolerates drought and will succeed on poor, wet, or arid soils, but thrives on quality organic soils with good drainage and plenty of sunlight. It is a coast lover resistant to salt and wind. It blossoms in early summer perhaps a day or two earlier than most red Metrosideros varieties. Nectar flows in December-January attracting birds and insects.
