Offshore Islands Collection

Chatam Island Forget-me-not

Inside the main gate to the left, up a short rise is the rock garden. Here are found plants rare in the wild such as Elingamita johnsonii and Cordyline kasper form the Three Kings, Xeronema callistemon from the Poor Knights and Gernaium traversii from the Chatham Islands.

Over towards the grass area is the large Three Kings Islands Tecomanthe speciosa which came as a cutting from the DSIR at Mt Albert in the 1950's. This climbing plant flowers profusely in early winter, drawing many tui close to the house.

Poor Knights Lily

The Poor Knights Lily, Xeronema callistemon, - callistemon refers to the beautiful stamens on the curving brush-like flowers - coral red, with anthers tipped in deep gold. A sight to behold in spring.