There's a large stand of these in Golden Bay which, each October, humms with the sounds of dozens of bellbirds and tuis. They clearly love the nectar. The plant itself appears to be perennial with a fast-growing, tender stem. Some plants appear to stand over 2m in height giving the impression of being almost bush-like. Leaves are serrated. It's quite a stunning looking plant though I get the feeling it is probably a bit of a weed! It just happens the farmer here has allowed this particular site to grown wild which, of couse, the birds love in spring time!