Rata

Rata (Metrosideros robusta), a New Zealand tree related to various species of Ironwood (q.v.). The seed is believed to be swallowed by a caterpillar, and to sprout in its interior, the fostering grub being of course killed. The tree begins life as a climber, attached to other forest-trees, and attains a height of 150 feet; but when it has killed the supporting stem the rata is able to sustain its own weight and to grow on as an independent tree, attaining ultimately a height of near 200 feet. The wood is very hard, formerly much used for making clubs, and is valuable for shipbuilding. See Abercromby, Sea and Skies (1889).