Description

Pohutukawa cards Xmas cards by ARTearoa.

Great blank pohutukawa gift cards. Seven different designs! And yes, we love these stylished pohutukawa cards.
Sending a gift? Sending an Xmas gift? Add one of these beautiful pohutukawa cards.

We are happy to add your message to the card.

• Size pohutukawa cards: 180mm x 130mm (7.09″ x 5.12″)

Check out our POP-ART pohutukawa tree card >>

About Pohutukawa trees

Pōhutukawa is New Zealand’s Christmas tree, and holds a prominent place in Maori mythology.

New Zealand’s Christmas tree

The blazing red flowers of pōhutukawa around Christmas time have earned this tree the title of New Zealand’s Christmas tree. Pōhutukawa and rātā belong to the genus Metrosideros.

In New Zealand, this genus is represented by two pōhutukawa (mainland and Kermadec), six species of rātā vine, a related shrub, and three tree rātā.

Mainland pōhutukawa (M. excelsa) occurs naturally in the upper half of the North Island (north of New Plymouth and Gisborne) although it grows from one end of the country to the other. It is easily distinguished from rātā by the hairs on the underside of the leaves.

Sacred trees

Pōhutukawa and rātā hold a prominent place in Maori mythology. Legends tell of the young Maori warrior, Tawhaki and his attempt to find help in heaven to avenge his father’s death. He subsequently fell to earth and the crimson flowers are said to represent his blood.

Possibly the most famous pōhutukawa in Maori legend is a small, wind-beaten tree clinging to the cliff face near Cape Reinga. The 800-year-old tree is reputed to guard the entrance to a sacred cave through which disembodied spirits pass on their way to the next world.

Rātā was often respected for its immense size, which provided, among other things, shelter for weary travellers.

Source: Department of Conservation >>