Kakabeak; Clianthus maximus, or kōwhai ngutukākā in Māori. Image: Su Leslie 2019
I was given several seeds of this native plant, and this one is the first to germinate.
Although kakabeak is popular with gardeners in New Zealand, most plants are grown from a just few cultivars. In the wild, both Clianthus maximus and Clianthus puniceus are critically endangered.
Although it’s likely my seeds are from one of the common cultivars, it is still a wonderful plant to grow for its beauty and as a food source for native birds. Eventually.
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
― Chinese proverb
Zimmerbitch 