Possums pounded, ratas blossom in national park

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 672, 4 February 1997, Page 7

Possums pounded, ratas blossom in national park

The most prolific flowering of rata trees in years is happening now at the southern end of the Tongariro National Park, thanks to earlier possum- control work. The species of rata in the Tongariro National Park is Metrosideros robusta. It usually begins life as an epiphyte perched up on a host tree. Its aerial roots grow downwards to the ground, finally enclosing the host and producing a huge tree up to 25 metres high with a trunk up to 2.5 metres through. The stand of rata that

grows on the side of Raetihi Hill, just north-west of Ohakune Junction, are really showing themselves off this summer, said Nigel Hollands, conservation officer. 'The flowers can be seen from Ohakune and are visible as a red tinge around the crown of the tree. Flowering lasts for up to six weeks from late January to early March." He said it has also been an excellent flowering season for the rare native mistletoe that grows in the Park. This plant grows on a host tree, either mountain beech or silver beech and can produce red or orange flowers depending on the species of mistletoe. Mr Hollands said the plants are flowering well following extensi ve possum control operations in the areas where these plants grow. "The prolific flowering we are seeing this summer is a result of very low densities of possum in these areas. Possums feed on our native flora and will go a long way to eat the leaves and flowers of the mistletoe and the buds and new growth on rata trees. If the

possum numbers are not controlled and lowered in the areas where these plants are found it would certainly lead to the demise and possible extinction of these already endangered plants. Mr Hollands said if anyone would like any more information on these plants or their locations they can contact the Department Of Conservation.