Metrosideros bartlettii, commonly known as Bartlett's rātā, is a rare species of tree in the family Myrtaceae. It is only found in three patches of dense forest remnants near Piwhane / Spirits Bay in New Zealand's North Island. It reaches a height of up to 30 metres (100 feet) with a trunk diameter of 1 to 1.5 metres (3.3 to 4.9 feet). The species is known for its distinct whitish, paper-like bark and small white flowers. Bartlett's rātā was accidentally discovered in 1975 by John Bartlett near Cape Reinga and first described by John Dawson in 1985. Bartlett's rātā typically begins life growing on another plant, inhabits lowland forests, and grows near wet areas. A 2018 article documented 13 adult trees in the wild, down from 31 in 2000. Its decline has been attributed to land use changes and the introduction of common brushtail possums. In 2013, it was listed as a critically endangered species on the IUCN Red List, with a decreasing population trend.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrosideros_bartlettii

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1944:

World War II: The Japanese Take Ichi convoy arrived at Halmahera in the Dutch East Indies after losing many ships and thousands of troops to Allied attacks while attempting to carry two divisions of troops from China to New Guinea. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_Ichi_convoy

1977:

The Hotel Polen in Amsterdam was destroyed by fire, leaving 33 people dead. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Polen_fire

1980:

Part of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida collapsed after a pier was struck by the MV Summit Venture, killing 35 people. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_Skyway_Bridge

2001:

Police at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra, Ghana, fired tear gas to quell unrest at a football match, leading to a stampede that killed 126 people. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accra_Sports_Stadium_disaster

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

mozzetta: (Roman Catholicism) A short cape covering the shoulders and buttoned in front, with a hood, which is worn by the pope, cardinals, bishops, and other senior clergy. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mozzetta

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

Peace be with you all! Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your heart, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to all the earth. Peace be with you!   --Pope Leo XIV https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Pope_Leo_XIV