Southern rata near Wainui Falls

Southern rata (Metrosideros umbellata) flower over the summer months, colouring hillsides throughout the South Island red. Southern rata is a member of the myrtle family and is vulnerable to myrtle rust, an invasive fungal disease that was first detected in New Zealand in 2017. Myrtle rust is windborne and when it was first detected, MPI’s approach was to eradicate it. It continued to spread in the North Island, though, and across Cook Strait to the Tasman District. In April, 2018, MPI announced that we’re going to have to live with it. As of May 2018, it’s been found at three locations in Golden Bay. Research is now focussed on discovering a treatment for myrtle rust and seed banking. This photo was taken near Wainui Falls in February.