Rautini (Brachyglottis Huntii) a Surprise First Lead in Favourite Plant Quest
Only a few weeks in with the 2006 “Vote for your favourite Native Plant” NZPCN run pole and there have been some major surprises from previous years poles. Currently in the lead with 43 votes is the stunning Rautini or Chatham Island Christmas Tree (Brachyglottis huntii). The majority of voters seem to like its golden yellow flowers, and perhaps the quirky link to Yuletide! As usual pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) is proving popular but that northern North Island “red heads” popularity is being challenged by the seriously threatened Bartlett’s Rata (Metrosideros bartlettii) - but is that due to a sympathy vote? Other interesting choices include Bamboo Rush (Sporadanthus ferrugineus) - popular with Waikato and International voters, the newly described Pseudowintera insperata, and the presumed extinct Adams Mistletoe (Trilepidea adamsii). Parapara (Pisonia brunoniana) seems to have gained the protest vote, while the Poor Knights lily (Xeronema callistemon) remains as popular as ever. But are these REALLY your favourites? Let us know by sending in your vote now.Posted: 26/08/2006