The folks “Down Under” celebrate Christmas at the beginning of summer, so it’s logical that their Christmas trees don’t look at all like their Victorian pine and fir namesakes.

Well, at least those outside the house.

Known formally as Pohutukawa, the Kiwi Christmas tree (pictured) is a type of myrtle often planted along coastal roadways and sidewalks of the North Island as a landscape ornamental – bushy dark green and (usually) stubby evergreen trees that, conveniently, burst forth with crimson blooms in the days leading up to December 25.

(Photo © Susan McKee)