Monday, March 27, 2006

New Zealand Native Plant.

New Zealand has many beautiful native plants. The kaka Beak (Kowhai Ngutu Kaka) is one of my favorites.

The name Kaka Beak comes from the shape and colour of the flower which looks like the beak of the Kaka, one of NZ's native parrots.

Kaka Beak is one of the few ornamentals cultivated by the Maori. It was used to feed caged Tui's. These native birds were kept in captivity to attract and capture other birds.

The bright red flowers are held in groups from arching stems, well clear of the delicate fern like foliage. Each flower holds copious nectar at the base of the flower attracting Tuis & other nectar loving birds.

1 comment:

Ted said...

Beautiful picture