Metrosideros kermadecensis W.R.B.Oliv.

Shrub or tree to 20 m high or more, often multi-trunked. Young stems and leaves persistently pubescent. Leaves opposite, decussate; petiole c. 5–7 mm long; lamina usually elliptic to broadly elliptic to ovate, 2–3.5 cm long, 1.3–2.3 cm wide (sometimes larger, 20–50 × 10–30 mm, fide de Lange 2021), rounded to attenuate at base, weakly to strongly recurved or slightly revolute margin, obtuse to rounded to blunt apex, coriaceous, dark green above, paler (whitish) below from an initially white, maturing grey tomentum, variegated forms in cultivation; lateral veins 2–3 mm apart, with intermediate reticulate veins. Inflorescence cymose-corymbose, 9–30-flowered; axes and surface of hypanthia densely white-villose. Hypanthium 3–4 mm long. Sepals triangular, c. 2 mm long, persistent. Petals oblong-ovate, 3–4 mm long. Filaments 10–23 mm long, deep red. Anthers yellow. Fruit a ± woody capsule c. 6–7 mm long, 3-valved; valves exserted.

Cultivated as an ornamental and hedge plant in gardens, especially for its showy red flowers and variegated leaf forms. There are a number of cultivars.