Red and green is the traditional colour scheme for christmas for many people around the world and New Zealand is no different. Except New Zealand grows its very own Christmas trees along the shore line. The first mention of the Pohutakawa as a christmas tree was in 1867 and since then the bright red flowers have been firmly planted in the New Zealand christmas tradition. The tree flowers over the New Zealand summer holiday period from November through to January with a peak around mid December. For many, the emergence of the Pohutakawa flowers is a strong representation of the start of summer and in Maori culture the Pohutakawa is said to represent strength and beauty and is regarded as a chiefly tree.
