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=New Zealand Rata and Pohutukawa=

Rata trees is one of the best NZ native trees. They are also known as NZ christmas tree as they blossum over summer.

The pohutakawa and rata both belong in the myrtle family of trees other family members are manuka, kanuka and swamp maire.

There are two main types of rata the southern and northern. the northern grows on another tree them the roots reach the ground and it grows on its own from there. The southern grows like a normal tree from a seed in the ground.

Our rata are in trouble
WHY???
 * Because of the brushtail possum as they eat the young and old rata trees. This can kill a tree in 3 years. Controlling posssums has become expensive so these efforts are focussed only on the areas that are considered the highest risk.

What can we do to help?

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