R went across to kiwifruit block 4 today and noticed that the Nikau Palms by the creek were flowering. ( there is evidence that they have flowered before but we have never seen them). It's a very strange flower.
Nikau ( Rhopalostylis sapida ) are the only palms native to New Zealand. They grow mainly in the North as they can get frosted. They usually don't flower till they are 30 years old, which ours probably are by now.
NZ Native wood pigeons ( Kereru ) love the berries. (seen here at the bottom left.)
These particular palms were grown by R's mother Betty from seed. The seed probably from the Coromandel area. We have lots of pigeons here so hope to see them actually eating the berries.
