| Knightia excelsa | |
|---|---|
 | |
| K. excelsa in Upper Hutt | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Proteales |
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Genus: | Knightia |
| Species: | K. excelsa |
| Binomial name | |
| Knightia excelsa | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Knightia excelsa, commonly known asrewarewa (fromMāori), is anevergreen treeendemic to the low elevation and valley forests of New Zealand. It is found in theNorth Island and at the tip of theSouth Island in theMarlborough Sounds (41° S)[2] and thetype species for the genusKnightia.[3]
Rewarewa grows to 30 metres (100 feet) tall, with a slender crown.[4] Theleaves are alternate, leathery, narrow oblong, 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in) long and 2.5–3.5 cm (0.98–1.38 in) wide, and without stipules. Theflowers are 2–3.5 cm (0.79–1.38 in) long, bright red, and borne inracemes 10 cm (3.9 in) long. Produces dry woody follicles.
The species was first formally described in 1809 byJoseph Knight in the bookOn the cultivation of the plants belonging to the natural order of Proteeae, using the nameRymandra excelsa.[5] This was revised the following year byRobert Brown in the paperOn the Proteaceae of Jussieu, who placed the species in the genusKnightia, named after Joseph Knight.[6] This remains the accepted scientific name used today.[7]
Knightia excelsa is one of only two extant members ofProteaceae found in New Zealand, alongsideToronia toru. Many other species existed in the past, but became extinct during glaciation periods.[8]
Theetymology (word origin) of rewarewa's genus,Knightia, is named in honour of British horticulturalistThomas Andrew Knight. Thespecific epithet (second part of the scientific name),excelsa, means 'elevated' or 'tall'.[8] TheMāori language name rewarewa derives from the Proto Nuclear Polynesian term *Lewa, primarily used to describeCerbera odollam and other members of theCerbera genus inPolynesian languages.[9] It was calledNew Zealand honeysuckle by early European settlers,[8] but the name has fallen into disuse in preference for theMāori name.
Rewarewa flower nectar is a major food source for many New Zealand native birds.[8]
Rewarewa is a traditional resource inMāori culture. The wood was used for posts in rivers and to create palisade walls, and it has uses in traditionalwaka crafting, where a slow burning trunk of the wood can be placed inside a tree to more easily hollow out the centre. The nectar is also a traditional Māori food source.[8]
Rewarewa trees had a bad reputation among early European settlers, who called the timber "bucket of water wood", due to its high moisture content and unsuitability as a firestarter.[8]
The rewarewa is known for its timber, which is handsomely figured for interior work although not durable in exposed situations.[10] Rewarewa honey is one of the most popular native New Zealand honey varieties.[8]
Media related toKnightia excelsa at Wikimedia Commons
Works related toOn the Proteaceae of Jussieu at Wikisource