Knightia excelsa

Rewarewa grows to tall, with a slender crown. The leaves are alternate, leathery, narrow oblong, long and wide, and without stipules. The flowers are long, bright red, and borne in racemes long. Produces dry woody follicles. ==Taxonomy==

The species was first formally described in 1809 by Joseph Knight in the book On the cultivation of the plants belonging to the natural order of Proteeae, using the name Rymandra excelsa. This was revised the following year by Robert Brown in the paper On the Proteaceae of Jussieu, who placed the species in the genus Knightia, named after Joseph Knight. This remains the accepted scientific name used today. Knightia excelsa is one of only two extant members of Proteaceae found in New Zealand, alongside Toronia toru. Many other species existed in the past, but became extinct during glaciation periods. ==Etymology==

The etymology (word origin) of rewarewa's genus, Knightia, is named in honour of British horticulturalist Thomas Andrew Knight. The specific epithet (second part of the scientific name), excelsa, means 'elevated' or 'tall'. It was called New Zealand honeysuckle by early European settlers, but the name has fallen into disuse in preference for the Māori name. ==Ecology==

Rewarewa flower nectar is a major food source for many New Zealand native birds. ==Uses==

Māori cultural uses Rewarewa is a traditional resource in Māori culture. The wood was used for posts in rivers and to create palisade walls, and it has uses in traditional waka 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. Rewarewa honey is one of the most popular native New Zealand honey varieties. ==Gallery==

File:Knightia excelsa 458134915.jpg|Inflorescence of flowers File:Knightia excelsa 464430535.jpg|Adult foliage File:Knightia excelsa 471709115.jpg|Tree in flower File:Illustrations of the New Zealand flora P171 (BHL12443760).jpg|Illustration by Matilda Smith ==References==