The best known of our trees. Especially for its bright red flowers at Christmas.  20.m. – with a distinctive rounded canopy.  A coastal tree which can be single or multi-trunked – a hard durable wood.

The flowers are an important source of nectar during the November to February period for birds and insects.

Leaves have adapted to wind salt spray etc. They are thickened with a layer of felt-like hairs on the undersides to help reduce moisture loss.

Rapid shade producer.

Photography by Jan Velvin © (left) and by Neil Davies © (right)