11th December 2006
Blooming pohutukawa is New Zealand’s special native Christmas tree, and a publication out this week is aimed at helping more New Zealander’s enjoy this iconic tree.
Project Crimson and Ensis – a joint venture between Crown Research Institute, Scion and CSIRO in Australia – have joined forces to produce a special publication on the tree just in time for Christmas.
Dr David Bergin, Ensis scientist and lead author of the Pohutukawa Bulletin, says the book covers the history, ecology and habitat of the tree, along with threats to pohutukawa, seed collection, planting, growth and management, and a set of guidelines for tree enthusiasts to follow when looking after pohutukawa.
“What we are aiming to do is provide scientific and research information about one of New Zealand’s most important native trees in a format that is enjoyable and informative to read.
“We want to inspire people to get involved with helping the pohutukawa to thrive, to learn to live with this tree without damaging them and to appreciate its beauty,” Dr Bergin says.
Along with extensive information, the book also includes hundreds of images of the New Zealand native Christmas tree and Dr Bergin says it would be the perfect gift for tree enthusiasts this Christmas.
The Pohutukawa Bulletin is the fourth in the indigenous tree bulletin series produced by Ensis with support from Tane’s Tree Trust. The first two covered totara and kauri, while the third was a general guidelines for establishing and managing native trees. The next issue due early in 2007 will be on the planting and management of native trees on farms.
“With this series of books we are targeting people who are interested in the planting, management, conservation and sustainable production of native trees. That includes councils, farmers, foresters, iwi, and the general public.”
Dr Bergin says he felt a little daunted by taking on the project of writing the Pohutukawa Bulletin because it is such an iconic tree.
“Project Crimson approached us to write it, because they knew there was a need for a ready-reference on pohutukawa. I’m really proud of what we’ve produced - it’s a great resource,” he says.
Dr Gordon Hosking, co-author of the bulletin and trustee of Project Crimson, says the bulletin will assist community groups and landowners in their task of helping the pohutukawa to thrive particularly throughout its natural range in the upper half of North Island once more.
He says that Maori have always regarded Pohutukawa as a sacred tree and it once formed an almost continuous belt of forest around New Zealand’s northern coast.
“But in the late 1980s there was increasing concern about losses of pohutukawa trees. Project Crimson was set up to help with the protection, management and planting of pohutukawa.
“This bulletin is part of that. It is an excellent resource for regional and local councils, landowners and community projects to help them learn about and care for these beautiful trees,” he says.
Dr Hosking says the first section of the bulletin draws heavily on the work of many others including Philip Simpson’s book Pohutukawa and Rata: New Zealand’s Iron-Hearted Trees which was also commissioned by Project Crimson.
“But where the bulletin differs from other publications is that it focuses on providing technical information on the propagation, protection and management of trees. We hope that it becomes a resource that people can use in their day-to-day work and pleasure with pohutukawa.
The Pohutukawa Bulletin has been funded by Project Crimson, Tane’s Tree Trust, Ensis, nine regional and local councils in the upper North Island, and other forestry and conservation related organisations.
The first print-run of the book will be 6000, with 2000 copies given to the sponsoring organisations to distribute to community groups involved in pohutukawa conservation and planting projects. Profit from the sale of the remaining 4000 will go towards the cost of reprinting the book.
The Pohutukawa Bulletin will be available from Scion, Tane’s Tree Trust and Project Crimson and it is hoped that selected bookstores will stock the book from late December at a cost of $27.00 for the 104 page book.
For more information about Project Crimson see www.projectcrimson.org.nz and for Tane’s Tree Trust see www.tanestrees.org.nz .