Knightia excelsa is an endemic species which belongs to the protea family; it is one of our more flamboyant trees when in flower, and even when not it is significant as an ornamental. It is commonly known by its Maori name of Rewara, and is less frequently called New Zealand honeysuckle. Although it grows into a fairly tall, erect tree in the bush, it seems less inclined to reach great height when planted in the garden. I have not seen specimens which could be termed large, but this could well be because gardeners prefer this tree not to be too big. Growth is somewhat fastigiated, the leaves are narrow, thick, coriaceous, almost woody in their stiffness and dark green. The racemes of flowers, somewhat spidery in appearance, are conspicously produced below the leaves in late spring, early summer. They are dull red colour with a brownish-red tomentum, quite large and attractive. This tree does not seem fastiduous in its requirements, but just how it fares in very cold conditions is open to doubt; dry situations restrict growth. Knightia excelsa has shown itself to be generally free from the attentions of common pests and diseases and generally does not need pruning or even shaping. In recent years it has become fairly readily obtainable from most garden centres and is well worth consideration in the planting scheme.

Press, 4 May 1984, Page 11

Knightia excelsa is an endemic species which belongs to the protea family; it is one of our more flamboyant trees when in flower, and even when not it is significant as an ornamental. It is commonly known by its Maori name of Rewara, and is less frequently called New Zealand honeysuckle. Although it grows into a fairly tall, erect tree in the bush, it seems less inclined to reach great height when planted in the garden. I have not seen specimens which could be termed large, but this could well be because gardeners prefer this tree not to be too big. Growth is somewhat fastigiated, the leaves are narrow, thick, coriaceous, almost woody in their stiffness and dark green. The racemes of flowers, somewhat spidery in appearance, are conspicously produced below the leaves in late spring, early summer. They are dull red colour with a brownish-red tomentum, quite large and attractive. This tree does not seem fastiduous in its requirements, but just how it fares in very cold conditions is open to doubt; dry situations restrict growth. Knightia excelsa has shown itself to be generally free from the attentions of common pests and diseases and generally does not need pruning or even shaping. In recent years it has become fairly readily obtainable from most garden centres and is well worth consideration in the planting scheme.