Identifier: | NR/0668 |
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Historical Reg No: | 405 |
Tree Type: | Single |
Registered By: | Spooner-Robson, T. |
Registration Category: | Historic tree – National interest |
General Notes:
|
Rākau o te tau / Tree of the year finalist 2022.
This tree, thought to be a Williams' bon chrétien pear, and still producing edible fruit, is the sole survivor of 185 fruit trees and grape vines, the first exotic trees of which there is a positive record of planting in New Zealand" (Great Trees of New Zealand. Burstall S.W & Sale E.V, 1984 pg. 34). It was planted under the direction of Rev. Samuel Marsden at the Anglican Mission Station in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, in 1819. It is probable that the tree came from Marsden's Paramatta Estate in Australia. Many of the fruit trees that made up his Paramatta orchard were directly sourced by Joseph Banks in 1803. The Kerikeri mission's model orchard and gardens played an integral role in establishing a propagation resource for further stock dispersal throughout the country and was viewed by Marsden as a metaphor for promoting the missionary endeavours to all who would listen and help dig (Spooner-Robson, T. 2004) Go to the following Historic Places Trust links to read about early Kerikeri history. Kerikeri Mission House Stone Store St James' Church (Anglican) |
Genus: | Pyrus | |
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Species: | communis 'Williams' Bon Chretien’ | |
Common names: | Williams' bon chrétien pear, Williams pear, | |
Height: | 8.80m | |
Height measurement method: | Nikon Forestry Pro | |
Height Comments: | (none) | |
Girth: | 332 cm | |
Girth measurement height: | 1.4 m | |
Girth Comments: | (none) | |
Diameter: | 105.7 cm | |
Crown Spread A: | 10.00m | |
Crown Spread B: | 9.50m | |
Avg. Crown Spread: | 9.75m | |
Actual Planting Date: | Oct 1819 | |
Approx. Planting Date: |
e.g. circa. 1860 |
|
Current Age: | 205 years | |
Tree Health Description: |
A healthy looking tree which still bears lots of fruit (Jan, 2010). An old wire cable system is doing a good job of holding this old tree together. |
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Tree Form Type: | Single Trunk | |
Number of Trunks: | 1 | |
Tree Form Comments: |
A well proportioned tree. An open cavity at ground level exposes a hollow trunk that extends approx 4m up and through the first main branches. The tree is recorded to have been struck by lightening and the top blown off in a storm. |
|
Champion Tree Score: | 168 | |
Local Protection Status: | Yes | |
Tree Present: | Yes | |
STEM Score: | 222 |
Date | Observer | Action |
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18 Dec 2021 | K.P. Barker & O.H.L. Brochner | |
06 Jan 2010 | Thwaites, K. | |
01 Jan 2004 | Spooner-Robson T |
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Preview | Credit | Date |
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Kent Thwaites | 06 Jan 2010 | |
Kent Thwaites | 06 Jan 2010 | |
Kent Thwaites | 06 Jan 2010 |