Metrosideros carminea , crimson rata or carmine rata is endemic to the North Island (from Te Paki south to Taranaki in the west and Mahia Peninsula in the east), where it is found in coastal to montane (mainly coastal to lowland) areas. A woody long-climbing clinging vine of closed forest and forest margins (often along water ways and on ridge lines, especially on rock outcrops and cliff faces). Only mature plants are reproductive. Juvenile foliage hairy, with young growth often pinkish. Adult leaves more or less circular, dark glossy green above, pale green below, surfaces without any obvious glandular spotting. Flowers carmine borne in dense, terminal, fluffy, clusters. It needs some protection if grown in Christchurch from frost.  It prefers an open situation with good deep loamy soil in semi-shade with reasonable moisture.  It has flowers from August-October.