Metrosideros excelsa (Myrtaceae) is a species currently being tested as a highly ornamental container plant. It is an evergreen shrub with very showy crimson inflorescence. The ‘Gala’ cultivar has been recently been introduced by Monrovia Nurseries, USA. The striking green and gold variegated foliage provides a dramatic backdrop to the powder-puff flowers; the stamens have bright golden tips. When young it resembles a slow growing shrub reaching a height and width of about 1m but it develops an attractive bark as it ages. The leaves and bark of this species indigenous to New Zealand, were used for centuries by the Maoris for medicinal purposes. They call it ‘Pohutukawa’, which means splashed by the sea spray. Accordingly, it is salt tolerant and can be planted along the coast. It is tolerant of full sun, needs protection from frost when young and grows best in well-drained neutral to acid soil. It makes an excellent specimen plant, and will attract birds to its profuse blooms all summer long. (USDA Zone 9-11) www.monrovia.com E-mail: kbloome@monrovia.com

Scientific trials have demonstrated that floral development of Metrosideros excelsa cultivars is significantly increased under warm temperatures in the region of 21/14°C.When combined with ambient summer day length this provided optimum conditions for extended life of the inflorescences. The size of inflorescences and vegetative shoots arising from them were significantly affected by the main effects of day length and temperature, respectively. (ISHS Acta Horticulturae 543: VII International Symposium on Postharvest Physiology of Ornamental Plants) www.actahort.org