Native seed catalogue

Knightia excelsa Rewarewa

This guide is based on a literature review. It compiles information from various sources. Different sources may offer varying advice and findings.

Other known names

New Zealand honeysuckle, rewa.

Propagation summary

Easy to propagate from fresh seeds. Uncertainties with seed viability and long-term storage.

Seed propagation category

Easy.

Seed collection

Fruiting occurs in October to January and takes a year to mature.(1) Capsules open quickly once ripened.(2)

Seed storage

Seeds store well.(2)

Seed dormancy

100% germination rate after 1 month.(3) Germination occurs within 4-6 weeks.(2)

Germination

Easy to germinate and propagate from fresh seeds.(1),(2)

Propagation techniques

Difficult to grow from cuttings.(1) Needs warm conditions for good germination.(2)

Site sensitivity

Relatively intolerant to shade.(4)

Susceptibility to disease and pests

Flowers and fruit are eaten by possums.(5)

Research opportunity

Germination, seed storage, and vegetative propagation need further investigation.

Information about the native seed profiles

All species names are in the following order: scientific name, common name, and Māori name. Names may vary by region. We have tried to use the most common names across New Zealand.

We have sourced photos from different websites and creators. We have used the images under different licences. These include Public Domain and Creative Commons licenses. For Knightia excelsa, the image details are:

The basis for each seed profile is a literature review carried out by Scion. Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service commissioned and worked on the review to produce a native seed catalogue. The full seed catalogue is on the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website.

Native afforestation research programme: Seed propagation catalogue
1.

New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Knightia excelsa.  Accessed 17 October 2024.

2.

Metcalf, L J (1995) The propagation of New Zealand native plants. Godwit; Auckland, New Zealand.

3.

Burrows, C J (1997) Reproductive ecology of New Zealand forests: 1. Natural seed storage phenomena. New Zealand Natural Sciences 23, 31. 

4.

Smale, M C; Kimberley, M O (1983) Regeneration patterns in Beilschmiedia tawa dominant forest at Rotoehu. New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science 13(1), 58–71. 

5.

Cowan, P E (1990) Fruits, seeds, and flowers in the diet of brushtail possums, Trichosurus vulpecula, in lowland podocarp/mixed hardwood forest, Orongorongo Valley, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 17(4), 549–566. 

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