In the subtropical to warm-temperate rainforests of northern New Zealand, Metrosideros robusta, the rātā tree, sends down aerial roots down several sides of the trunk of the host.
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They are found in diverse plant species, including epiphytes such as orchids, tropical coastal swamp trees such as mangroves, the resourceful banyan trees, the warm-temperate rainforest rātā (Metrosideros robusta) and pōhutukawa (M. excelsa) trees of New Zealand and vines like Common Ivy (Hedera helix) and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans).
Possums selectively browse native vegetation causing particular damage to broadleaved trees, notably Metrosideros species including rata.
With a locally administered possum eradication programme much of the native bush has regenerated including some magnificent red flowering northern rātā trees.
A rich Northern rātā/Rimu/Broadleaf forest is present, although the entire park ecosystem displays distinct patterns of vegetative zonation - the former two large species of tree are common at lower elevations whereas Kamahi tends to dominate the stunted high altitude forest.
The bark is usually brown or grey-brown and rather corky and provides an ideal stratum for the roots of epiphytic plants such as Astelia species and Freycinetia banksii (kiekie).
Metrosideros robusta | Grevillea robusta | Metrosideros polymorpha | Metrosideros excelsa | Washingtonia robusta | Tyto robusta | Otophryne robusta | Opuntia robusta | Metrosideros umbellata | Hypsipyla robusta | Hydrangea robusta | Helobdella robusta | Eucalyptus robusta | Derris robusta | Bhesa robusta |