In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Pohutukawa Tree in 5 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.
The images above represents how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.
Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.
At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the Pohutukawa Tree.
Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.
How to Draw a Pohutukawa Tree - Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: First, draw the trunk and branches. Draw a line that slightly curves inward in the middle and then back out. Leave a big space and draw another line that slightly curves inward but make it come outward into a long slant. Outline the top of both your lines with another curved line that is smaller. Draw two curved lines in the middle of your tree that connect at the bottom and then mirror the top of those lines with smaller lines. Make the bottom of those lines connect to the bottom of the other lines you mirrored.
Step 2: Next, draw the roots. At the bottom of your trunk, draw four long wavy lines coming out toward the bottom.
Step 3: Then, draw the outline of the leaves. At the top of your branches and around the top of how tall you want your tree to be, draw a sideways ovals made of little humps.
Step 4: Now, draw the leaves. Draw about four medium sized humps in a row that connect. Repeat this inside of your leave outline as many times as you want.
Step 5: Lastly, draw the fruits. Throughout the inside of the outline of your leaves, draw a small circle with tiny lines coming out of all the circle’s sides. Repeat this multiple times for multiple fruits.
Interesting Facts about Pohutukawa Trees
Pohutukawa Trees are coastal trees that grow only in New Zealand. They have big rounded tops and grow to 20 meters. Their tops spread out to 38 meters. They grow in rocky places like cliffs and have the roots to keep them place! The leaves are round and pointed at the end. After 2 years the tree sheds its leaves and starts over with fresh ones. During the Christmas season the tree grows bright red flowers. Although the popular color is red there are reports of Pohutukawa Trees blooming in pink, yellow, and apricot.
Did you know?
- Nicked named the “New Zealand Christmas Tree” because the flowers bloom during Christmas time (December.) Locals also decorate their homes for the holidays with Pohutukawa flowers.
- Seed pods hold up to 30 seeds per pod.
- Pohutukawa Trees will even grow near volcanos!
- Pohutukawa Trees can live to be 1000 years old!
- Pohutukawa Trees are the subject of “Project Crimson.” This charity is meant to replant Pohutukawa Trees in their natural environment and save the tree from near extinction.
Activity: Teach your class about “Project Crimson” and try to think of a local cause that could benefit from your help. It could be a food drive, a volunteer day at a local charity, or even just a school clean-up day.
How to Draw a Pohutukawa Tree – Step-by-Step Tutorial