This cultivar of Metrosideros excelsa has been selected for its more upright, narrow growth habit. Like the traditional variety, it is a hardy plant that produces scarlet-red flowers from early to mid-summer, which attract birds. It is an excellent choice as a street tree since it does not develop untidy aerial roots. Metrosideros excelsa ‘Māori Princess’ has green leaves with silver-grey undersides. Metrosideros excelsa is evergreen and native to New Zealand. Learn more. It was selected from a large tree planted (perhaps in the 1940s) in Brougham Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand.