This large pōhutukawa tree (Metrosideros excelsa) is located on the corner of Leach and Cameron Streets. According to a report in the Evening Post on 29 April 1938 the tree was brought to New Plymouth from Kawhia by Tom Mitchell, a member of the Armed Constabulary, and given to his brother-in-law Thomas Inch in 1874.
In 1938 Charles Swanson signed a memorandum of transfer with the New Plymouth Borough Council donating the tree and the land surrounding it the town - see also DP5735.
The Taranaki Herald reported on 22 August 1963 that the tree had featured on the cover of a "leading overseas magazine" and that it had "won recognition for its size and appearance all over Taranaki."
The small stone plaque said to be at the base of the tree has either been removed or covered as the tree has grown.
The tree was also profiled in Cory Smith's, The Notable Trees of New Plymouth (2002).
Related documents:
Giant Christmas Tree (Taranaki Herald 24 Dec 1985)
Project Aims To Check Origin Of Pohutukawas (Daily News 15 Nov 1994)
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