DOCSLIB.ORG

The Vegetation of the Mt Maungatawhiri Area, Coromandel Peninsula

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Vegetation of the Mt Maungatawhiri Area, Coromandel Peninsula TANE 21, 1975 THE VEGETATION OF THE MT MAUNGATAWHIRI AREA, COROMANDEL PENINSULA by A.E. Wright* SUMMARY The major vegetation types for the area surrounding Mt Maungatawhiri, Coromandel Peninsula, are discussed, and their distribution is mapped. A species list of 253 vascular plants is presented. The vegetation is dominantly coastal and ranges from estuarine and rocky shore to mature rata {Metrosideros robusta) forest 300m above sea level. Much of the area has been extensively modified by man through farming, accidental burning and selective milling, although pockets of forest apparendy undisturbed by man do exist on the eastern slopes of Mt Maungatawhiri itself. INTRODUCTION These observations were made during the AUFC Scientific Camp to Wharekaho Beach, Whitianga (17-24 August, 1974). It is hoped that they will provide adequate information for future comparisons between the floras of the larger offshore islands of the Coromandel Peninsula and those of the mainland. Therefore, particular emphasis has been placed on the indigenous flora, and those adventive species which play an important part in each vegetation type. Each major vegetation grouping is briefly discussed mentioning important and unusual species, and its distribution shown in Figure 1, together with the typical localities later described. The lichen flora of this area has been studied in detail by Hayward et al.s VEGETATION Estuarine: The estuary of the Akeake River curves back behind Wharekaho Beach to form an area of low silty banks. The plant cover of these banks varies with the frequency of inundation by salt water. The main bank is largely covered by clumps of Juncus maritimus var. australiensis and Scirpus nodusus with a few shrubby Plagianthus divaricatus and manuka (Leptospermum scoparium). Lower areas are sparsely covered in the creeping grass Cynodon dactylon. Coastal forest and shore: Most cliff areas retain a largely natural vegetation similar to that in other areas of the Coromandel Peninsula. Tree species include pohutakawa {Metrosideros excelsa), karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus), taupata (Coprosma repens), kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum), and kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile) with a groundcover of flax (Phormium tenax), Astelia banksii and the herbs Peperomia urvilleana, Apium australe and Disphyma australe. Bare soil on the foreshore provides a habitat for sowthistles (Sonchus spp.), catsear (Hypochaeris radicata), and Oxalis sp., with the natives NZ Convolvulus (Calystegia tuguriorum), Mercury Bay weed (Dichondra repens) and piripiri (Acaena anserinifolia) spreading back into the pastures. Many of the *Department of Geology, University of Auckland 3 Fig. 1. Map of the area surrounding Mt Maungatawhiri showing distribution of major vegetation types and location of the typical localities described in the introduction to the species list. stream valleys running inland through pasture have remnant coastal forest in their headwaters. Large puriri, (Vitex lucens) kohekohe and karaka formed the canopy, with almost all ground cover (except occasional tangles of supplejack — Ripogonum scandens) eaten out by cattle and sheep. The orchid Drymoanthus adversus was found in bud several times, epiphytic on karaka trees. Summit ridge of Mt Maungatawhiri: Between the main peak of Mt Maungata• whiri and the slightly lower knoll to the southsoutheast (see Fig. 1) runs a fairly sharp ridge dropping very steeply to the east and sloping down more gently to the west. The two high points appear to have been burnt off within the last twenty years and the trees on the flat area surrounding the trig have been cut down much more recently. The fallen branches have provided shelter for dense regeneration of shrubs 2 to 3m tall, for example pohutakawa and mapou (Myrsine australis). Between the knolls, the ridge proper has a mature canopy dominated by mahoe {Melicytus ramiflorus), puriri and karaka with few shrub species beneath them. Towards the south, the ground becomes more rocky, and ferns are the most common ground dwelling plants. The necklace fern (Asplenium flabellifolium), velvet fern (Ctenitis velutina) and Arthropteris tenella were all found only in this area. Arthropteris covers almost all boulders, roots and tree trunks over a large area. It exhibits the usual distinct difference between small, sterile, terrestrial fronds forming a dense covering over the substrate, and larger (up to 30cm) fertile fronds epiphytic on tree trunks. Where the canopy is thinner, the native grass Oplismenus imbecilis is abundant. Mature rata forest: Although some tracts have been selectively milled, a few areas appear to be in their virgin state (no old stumps or adventive species were seen). Many of the stream valleys to the west of Mt Maungatawhiri contain very dense forest with a wealth of ferns and shrubs. Filmy ferns are especially common, and over several hundred metres of one stream Hymenophyllum flexuosum is the dominant filmy fern, always rupestral. Treeferns, predomin• antly mamaku {Cyathea medullaris) are frequent in stream valleys and large stretches of these valleys are choked with supplejack. Large rata are dominant in the drier parts, forming the canopy with common rewarewa (Knightia excelsa) and karaka. Beneath these are several species of Coprosma and the NZ Honeysuckle (Alseuosmia macrophylla). Leptospermum scrub: Along the southern fringe of the mature rata forest is a belt of 20 to 30 year old manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and kanuka (L. ericoides). Grazing animals, including cattle, have entered the scrub and opened up the shrub layer. Occasional manuka and kanuka have been knocked over, and the greater light penetration has allowed thicker seedling growth. The majority of ground cover is formed by lycopods, the ferns Lindsaea linearis and Phymatodes diversifolium, sundew (Drosera auriculata), mapou seedlings and various adventive weeds such as Hypochaeris, Erigeron and Cirsium vulgare. Further to the northwest, regeneration is at a more advanced stage, and less held back by interference by grazing animals. Consequently, the flora is considerably more diverse. The climbers Clematis paniculata and bush lawyer (Rubus cissoides) are common and there are many healthy saplings of kauri (Agathis australis), rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) and tanekaha (Phyllocladus trichomanoides) up to 3m tall. It is interesting to note that kauri did not occur in the 5 forest or scrub to the east of Mt Maungatawhiri (apart from one unhealthy tree below the summit of the main hill) — it only became common in the north east i.e. more inland. Pasture: Pasture areas provide the best hunting ground for adventive species. Many such as the barberry (Berberis sp.), wooly mullein (Verbascum thapsus), foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), nettle (Urtica mens) and Californian and Scotch thistles (Cirsium arvense and C. vulgare) occur over most of the area and are a considerable nuisance to the farmers. Around streams blackberry (Rubus fruticosus Agg.) and fleshy weeds such as inkweed (Phytolacca octandra) are common. In the streams grow a few water-weeds such as the floating sweet grass (Glyceria fluitans), watercress (Nasturtium officinale) and duckweed (Lemna sp.). Several large colonies of the fern Hypolepis tenuifolia (the smaller, triangular fronded type) occur in depressions in the pastures and these appear to be untouched by grazing animals just as the adventive noxious weeds are. In one area, the fern Athyrium australe occurs commonly in the damp pasture. Remnants of the forest cover such as ancient puriri and one old ngaio (Myoporum laetum) dot the pastures, as do rotting treefern stumps in several areas (lichen zonation on these stumps has been studied by Hay ward et als). The scrambling pohuehue (Muehlenbeckia complexa) is common in coastal pastures, most noticeably on the summit of the pa (Fig. 1) described by Puch.9 There it forms cushions up to 50cm thick which are cut through by grassed animal trails. Swampy areas: Swamps have formed in several basins to the South and East of Mt Maungatawhiri, particularly where soil cover has slumped off the rock basement to block off a valley. Dominant plants are the raupo (Typha orientalis) and Scirpus lacustris, with the water fern Histiopteris incisa occuring around the margins of the swamps. 6 SPECIES LIST OF VASCULAR PLANTS Both native and adventive species are included. While the coverage of the former was fairly thorough, the adventive flora is incomplete, largely consisting of those species that play an obvious part in the communities already described. The total flora listed comprises 253 species, of which 196 species (78%) are indigenous to New Zealand. 59 of the native species are ferns and fern-allies. Nomenclature and ordering for all native plants except grasses follows Volumes 1 and 2 of 'Flora of New Zealand'.1'7 Native grasses follow Cheeseman.2 Exotic species (marked with asterisk) are named largely from Clapham, Tutin and Warburg (Flora of the British Isles);3 and exotic, non-European grasses from Lambrechtsen.6 Well known common names are given, and where applicable follow 'Standard Common Names for Weeds in New Zealand'.10 Each of the habitats and its community (already described) has been designated a number and a typical locality:8 Loc. 1. Estuary of Akeake River, Mercury Bay N44 223678 0-lm above sea level. Loc. 2. Coastal forest, cliff and shore vegetation, Mercury Bay N44 237678 0-10masl. Loc. 3. Summit ridge of Maungatawhiri Mt, Whitianga N44 232687 approx. 300m asl. Loc. 4. South western slopes of Maungatawhiri Mt, Whitianga (a) mature rata forest N44 228689 160m asl (approx.). (b) Leptospermum fringe N44 230684 120m asl (approx.). Loc. 5 (a) pasture to Southeast of Maungatawhiri Mt. (b) pasture around streams (c) pools in streams in pasture N44 236688 100m asl (approx.). Loc. 6. Swampy areas to Southeast of Maungatawhiri Mt. N44 234688 150m asl (approx.). The area studied centred on the latitude and longitude 36° 47'S 175° 47'E. Beside each species is the number of the habitat(s) in which it is most commonly found. Specimens of all ferns and fern allies are held in the author's Herbarium; specimens of most other plants are held in the Herbarium of the Auckland Institute and Museum.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Rethinking Arboreal Heritage for Twenty-First-Century Aotearoa New Zealand
    NATURAL MONUMENTS: RETHINKING ARBOREAL HERITAGE FOR TWENTY-FIRST-CENTURY AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND Susette Goldsmith A thesis submitted to Victoria University of Wellington in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Victoria University of Wellington 2018 ABSTRACT The twenty-first century is imposing significant challenges on nature in general with the arrival of climate change, and on arboreal heritage in particular through pressures for building expansion. This thesis examines the notion of tree heritage in Aotearoa New Zealand at this current point in time and questions what it is, how it comes about, and what values, meanings and understandings and human and non-human forces are at its heart. While the acknowledgement of arboreal heritage can be regarded as the duty of all New Zealanders, its maintenance and protection are most often perceived to be the responsibility of local authorities and heritage practitioners. This study questions the validity of the evaluation methods currently employed in the tree heritage listing process, tree listing itself, and the efficacy of tree protection provisions. The thesis presents a multiple case study of discrete sites of arboreal heritage that are all associated with a single native tree species—karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus). The focus of the case studies is not on the trees themselves, however, but on the ways in which the tree sites fill the heritage roles required of them entailing an examination of the complicated networks of trees, people, events, organisations, policies and politics situated within the case studies, and within arboreal heritage itself. Accordingly, the thesis adopts a critical theoretical perspective, informed by various interpretations of Actor Network Theory and Assemblage Theory, and takes a ‘counter-’approach to the authorised heritage discourse introducing a new notion of an ‘unauthorised arboreal heritage discourse’.
    [Show full text]
  • And Taewa Māori (Solanum Tuberosum) to Aotearoa/New Zealand
    Copyright is owned by the Author of the thesis. Permission is given for a copy to be downloaded by an individual for the purpose of research and private study only. The thesis may not be reproduced elsewhere without the permission of the Author. Traditional Knowledge Systems and Crops: Case Studies on the Introduction of Kūmara (Ipomoea batatas) and Taewa Māori (Solanum tuberosum) to Aotearoa/New Zealand A thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of AgriScience in Horticultural Science at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand Rodrigo Estrada de la Cerda 2015 Kūmara and Taewa Māori, Ōhakea, New Zealand i Abstract Kūmara (Ipomoea batatas) and taewa Māori, or Māori potato (Solanum tuberosum), are arguably the most important Māori traditional crops. Over many centuries, Māori have developed a very intimate relationship to kūmara, and later with taewa, in order to ensure the survival of their people. There are extensive examples of traditional knowledge aligned to kūmara and taewa that strengthen the relationship to the people and acknowledge that relationship as central to the human and crop dispersal from different locations, eventually to Aotearoa / New Zealand. This project looked at the diverse knowledge systems that exist relative to the relationship of Māori to these two food crops; kūmara and taewa. A mixed methodology was applied and information gained from diverse sources including scientific publications, literature in Spanish and English, and Andean, Pacific and Māori traditional knowledge. The evidence on the introduction of kūmara to Aotearoa/New Zealand by Māori is indisputable. Mātauranga Māori confirms the association of kūmara as important cargo for the tribes involved, even detailing the purpose for some of the voyages.
    [Show full text]
  • Temporal Development and Regeneration Dynamics of Restored Urban Forests
    Temporal Development and Regeneration Dynamics of Restored Urban Forests By Katherine de Silva A thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Ecology & Biodiversity School of Biological Sciences Faculty of Sciences Victoria University of Wellington October 2019 Supervisors: Stephen Hartley. Director of the Centre of Biodiversity & Restoration Ecology, Victoria University of Wellington Kiri Joy Wallace. Postdoctoral Fellow, Environmental Research Institute, University of Waikato. Katherine de Silva: Temporal Development and Regeneration Dynamics of Restored Urban Forests, © October 2019. 2 ABSTRACT Urban forest restoration programmes are a key tool used to initiate, re-create or accelerate the succession of forest species; improving ecosystem services, function, resilience and biodiversity. Succession is a temporal shift in species dominance driven by abiotic and biotic influences, but over decadal timescales the trajectory and success of restoration plantings in degraded urban environments can be hindered. To facilitate the successful reconstruction of forest ecosystems from scratch, an understanding of the temporal patterns in planted forest development, dynamics of seedling regeneration and dominant drivers of seedling diversity is required. Using a chronosequence approach, permanent plots were established at 44 restored urban forests aged 5 to 59 years since initial plantings took place, across five New Zealand cities between Wellington and Invercargill. Vegetation surveys were undertaken and data on micro- climate were collected. This study examined the 1) temporal dynamics of restored urban forest development and seedling regeneration and 2) dominant drivers of seedling regeneration. Data were analysed using linear regression models, breakpoint analysis and mixed-effects modelling. Early forest development (<20 years) exhibited the most changes in canopy composition and structure, forest floor dynamics, seedling community and microclimate.
    [Show full text]
  • Focus on High Country and Auckland North | Lizard Habitat | Native Vines
    Open space $7.50 MAGAZINE OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II NATIONAL TRUST ISSUE 75 | MARCH 2009 Focus on High Country and Auckland North | Lizard Habitat | Native Vines Regional Representatives Contents Far North Greg Blunden Ph 09 407 1119 [email protected] 3 News and Events Kaipara Nick Matich 9 Ph 09 439 8932 [email protected] 4 Focus: High Country Whangarei Nan Pullman 7 Focus: Auckland North Ph/Fax 09 434 3457 [email protected] Northwest Auckland Dan Godoy 11 Research: Lizard diversity and abundance Ph 09 529 2474 [email protected] South Auckland Lynda Fleming 12 Protecting the habitat of skinks and geckos Ph 09 238 5739 [email protected] 15 Research: Forest remnant resilience Coromandel – Hauraki Hamish Kendal Ph 07 866 0770 [email protected] 12 16 Waikato tawa forest covenants Waikato Rex Webby Ph 07 853 2504 [email protected] 17 Fencing: Historic Southland fence East Waikato Hamish Dean 18 Know your natives: Vines Ph 021 741 222 [email protected] Waitomo – Otorohanga Malcolm Mackenzie 21 Dairy farms: Protecting bush remnants Ph 07 873 7728 [email protected] Bay of Plenty Hamish Dean 22 Recording ecological changes Ph 021 741 222 [email protected] 25 Fragments 18 Gisborne Malcolm Piper Ph/Fax 06 867 0255 [email protected] 26 Archaeological sites: Hawke’s Bay kumara pits Hawke’s Bay Troy Duncan Ph 06 844 3838 [email protected] 27 Covenants update Taranaki Neil Phillips 29 Trust people Ph 06 753 6433 [email protected] Taupo-Ruapehu Hamish Dean 30 About QEII Trust Ph 021 741 222 [email protected] 32 Rangitikei – Manawatu – Wanganui 32 In the community: Ruahine School Bush John Williamson Ph 06 328 6851 [email protected] Tararua Bill Wallace Helping you protect the special nature of your land Ph 06 376 7796 [email protected] QEII Trust helps landowners to protect significant natural and cultural features on Wairarapa Trevor Thompson their land.
    [Show full text]
  • Plant Charts for Native to the West Booklet
    26 Pohutukawa • Oi exposed coastal ecosystem KEY ♥ Nurse plant ■ Main component ✤ rare ✖ toxic to toddlers coastal sites For restoration, in this habitat: ••• plant liberally •• plant generally • plant sparingly Recommended planting sites Back Boggy Escarp- Sharp Steep Valley Broad Gentle Alluvial Dunes Area ment Ridge Slope Bottom Ridge Slope Flat/Tce Medium trees Beilschmiedia tarairi taraire ✤ ■ •• Corynocarpus laevigatus karaka ✖■ •••• Kunzea ericoides kanuka ♥■ •• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• Metrosideros excelsa pohutukawa ♥■ ••••• • •• •• Small trees, large shrubs Coprosma lucida shining karamu ♥ ■ •• ••• ••• •• •• Coprosma macrocarpa coastal karamu ♥ ■ •• •• •• •••• Coprosma robusta karamu ♥ ■ •••••• Cordyline australis ti kouka, cabbage tree ♥ ■ • •• •• • •• •••• Dodonaea viscosa akeake ■ •••• Entelea arborescens whau ♥ ■ ••••• Geniostoma rupestre hangehange ♥■ •• • •• •• •• •• •• Leptospermum scoparium manuka ♥■ •• •• • ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• Leucopogon fasciculatus mingimingi • •• ••• ••• • •• •• • Macropiper excelsum kawakawa ♥■ •••• •••• ••• Melicope ternata wharangi ■ •••••• Melicytus ramiflorus mahoe • ••• •• • •• ••• Myoporum laetum ngaio ✖ ■ •••••• Olearia furfuracea akepiro • ••• ••• •• •• Pittosporum crassifolium karo ■ •• •••• ••• Pittosporum ellipticum •• •• Pseudopanax lessonii houpara ■ ecosystem one •••••• Rhopalostylis sapida nikau ■ • •• • •• Sophora fulvida west coast kowhai ✖■ •• •• Shrubs and flax-like plants Coprosma crassifolia stiff-stemmed coprosma ♥■ •• ••••• Coprosma repens taupata ♥ ■ •• •••• ••
    [Show full text]
  • Nestegis Lanceolata
    Nestegis lanceolata COMMON NAME White maire SYNONYMS Olea lanceolata Hook.f.; Gymnelaea lanceolata (Hook.f.) L.A.S.Johnson FAMILY Oleaceae AUTHORITY Nestegis lanceolata (Hook.f.) L.A.S.Johnson FLORA CATEGORY Vascular – Native ENDEMIC TAXON Yes ENDEMIC GENUS Close up of fruits, Te Moehau (March). No Photographer: John Smith-Dodsworth ENDEMIC FAMILY No STRUCTURAL CLASS Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons NVS CODE NESLAN CHROMOSOME NUMBER 2n = 46 CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUS 2012 | Not Threatened PREVIOUS CONSERVATION STATUSES 2009 | Not Threatened 2004 | Not Threatened BRIEF DESCRIPTION Tree bearing pairs of dark green narrow smooth leaves that are pale Adult foliage, Waitakere Ranges. Photographer: green underneath. Leaves 5-9cm long by 1-2.5cm wide. Fruit red, 8-11mm Peter de Lange long, containing a single seed. DISTRIBUTION Endemic. North and South Islands. Widespread and common in the North Island except in the southern part of range (Horowhenua, southern Wairarapa and Wellington areas). Very uncommon in the South Island where it is locally present in the Marlborough Sounds, reaching its southern limit along the Tuamarina River. HABITAT Widespread in coastal to montane forest. Commonly found on steep hill slopes and ridge lines but also can be locally common in riparian forest. As a rule white maire tends to avoid frost-prone habitats and sites that frequently flood. In the northern part of its range it is often found with narrow-leaved maire (Nestegis montana) and black maire (Nestegis cunninghamii). In some parts of eastern Northland it is also found in coastal forest with Nestegis apetala. FEATURES Stout gynodioecious spreading tree up to 20 m tall usually forming a domed canopy; trunk up to c.
    [Show full text]
  • A Fern Propagation Report (2005-2009) John Rugis
    A Fern Propagation Report (2005-2009) John Rugis Introduction I’ve been experimenting with fern propagation for Propagation Method nearly four years with some success. The beginnings Noteworthy accounts of propagation methods are of this interest can be traced back to six months before given by Field (1890), Dobbie (1921), and again that when we relocated to our present bush clad Dobbie (1951). My approach has been to glean the section in Maraetai, South Auckland. Even in my then principles from the past but update to present botanically uninformed state, the presence of ferns and materials and technology. their influence on me was undeniable. Subsequent count revealed that there were already fifty-one fern species present on the property! Overview and Background In my particular experience, the task of fern propagation has consisted of 1) identification, 2) location, 3) collection, 4) propagation. As an identification study guide and reference manual, I have found the book New Zealand Ferns (Brownsey, 1989) indispensible. Historical accounts, such as Fig. 1. A spore packet. contained in Field (1890) and Dobbie (1921), provide additional background and interesting insight into past, I place cuttings in folded white A4 paper for spore as well as possible present, species distributions. release, which often occurs within 24 hours. Most Locating ferns in the wild is often not easy. species are left at room temperature for this and unforced desiccation of the sample occurs. However, “One word of warning, O trustful reader; when you see for green spore species, anything other than very slight a species marked 'abundant,' do not be too sanguine, I drying can kill the spore.
    [Show full text]
  • The Lignotuber of Tutu (Coriaria Arborea) Alan Esler & Wilson Esler
    Cyathodes fraseri Margins broadly hyaline, flat, Dracophyllum muscoides Blade about as long as stoutly ciliate, apex a pungent apicule, veins the sheathing petiole, linear, obscurely serrate strongly raised below. distally. Cyathodes juniperina Blade linear, minutely serrate Epacris alpina and E. pauciflora (both vars) Blade distally, apex a pungent apicule, veins not ovate, margins minutely serrate distally, veins evident above, intervenium below whitened by not at all prominent below, intervenium pale but wax deposited in minutely reticulate fashion. not wax-covered. Cyathodes parviflora Margins usually recurved only Pentachondra pumila Petiole relatively long (c. 1/3 in proximal half of blade, entire, apex with a length of blade); blade lanceolate, margins very short rounded mucro, lower surface with minutely serrate, apex subobtuse, the veins prominent branched and reticulate venation. relatively obvious below (as compared to those Cyathodes pumila Margins flat, entire, apex shortly of Epacris pauciflora) being narrower and paler apiculate, lower surface between midrib and than the intervenium, but not raised. margins entirely covered with a thick (usually Sprengelia incarnata Leaf recurved so that upper non-reticulate) deposit of white wax. half (blade) is at right angles to the stem- Cyathodes robusta Blade lanceolate, margins enclosed lower half (sheathing base/petiole), strongly recurved, apex with short rounded apicule long and subpungent, lower surface of mucro, intervenium below usually whitened with blade with conspicuous pale dots (stomata) and wax deposited in minutely reticulate fashion. obscure veins. References Allan, H. H. 1961: Flora of New Zealand. Vol. 1. Government Printer, Wellington. Poole, A. L. & Adams, N. M. A. 1964. Trees and Shrubs of New Zealand.
    [Show full text]
  • Nzbotsoc No 41 Sept 1995
    NEW ZEALAND BOTANICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER NUMBER 41 SEPTEMBER 1995 NEW ZEALAND BOTANICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER NUMBER 41 SEPTEMBER 1995 CONTENTS News New Zealand Botanical Society News From the Committee . 3 Call for nominations 3 Regional Botanical Society News Manawatu Botanical Society 3 Nelson Botanical Society 5 Waikato Botanical Society 6 Wellington Botanical Society 7 Notes and Reports Plant Records Urtica linearifolia (Hook. f.) Cockayne - a new northern limit 7 Pittosporum obcordatum in the Catlins Forest Park . .8 Research Reports A story about grass skirts 9 Some observations on cold damage to native plants on Hinewai Reserve, Banks Peninsula 11 Comment Plant succession and the problem of orchid conservation . ... 15 Biography/Bibliography Ellen Blackwell, the mystery lady of New Zealand botany, and "Plants of New Zealand" . 15 Biographical Notes (19): William Alexander Thomson (1876-1950) .. 18 Sex and Elingamita: A Cautionary Tale 20 Publications Journals received 22 Threatened plant poster 22 Desiderata Nothofagus collection at Royal Botanic Garden, Wakehurst Place 23 Nikau seed and seedlings wanted 23 Book Review Index Kewensis on CD-ROM 23 Cover illustration Elingamita johnsonii a small tree up to 4 m tall belonging to the Myrsinaceae is confined to two islands of the Three Kings group (see article page 20). The cover illustration is one of 25 illustrations by Sabrina Malcolm featured on the just published Manaaki Whenua Press Threatened Plants poster (see page 22). New Zealand Botanical Society President: Dr Eric Godley Secretary/Treasurer: Anthony Wright Committee: Sarah Beadel, Colin Webb, Carol West, Beverley Clarkson, Bruce Clarkson Address: C/- Auckland Institute & Museum Private Bag 92018 AUCKLAND Subscriptions The 1995 ordinary and institutional subs are $14 (reduced to $10 if paid by the due date on the subscription invoice).
    [Show full text]
  • Patterns of Flammability Across the Vascular Plant Phylogeny, with Special Emphasis on the Genus Dracophyllum
    Lincoln University Digital Thesis Copyright Statement The digital copy of this thesis is protected by the Copyright Act 1994 (New Zealand). This thesis may be consulted by you, provided you comply with the provisions of the Act and the following conditions of use: you will use the copy only for the purposes of research or private study you will recognise the author's right to be identified as the author of the thesis and due acknowledgement will be made to the author where appropriate you will obtain the author's permission before publishing any material from the thesis. Patterns of flammability across the vascular plant phylogeny, with special emphasis on the genus Dracophyllum A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of philosophy at Lincoln University by Xinglei Cui Lincoln University 2020 Abstract of a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of philosophy. Abstract Patterns of flammability across the vascular plant phylogeny, with special emphasis on the genus Dracophyllum by Xinglei Cui Fire has been part of the environment for the entire history of terrestrial plants and is a common disturbance agent in many ecosystems across the world. Fire has a significant role in influencing the structure, pattern and function of many ecosystems. Plant flammability, which is the ability of a plant to burn and sustain a flame, is an important driver of fire in terrestrial ecosystems and thus has a fundamental role in ecosystem dynamics and species evolution. However, the factors that have influenced the evolution of flammability remain unclear.
    [Show full text]
  • Key Native Ecosystem Plan for Raroa-Pukerua Coast 2018-2021
    Key Native Ecosystem Plan for Raroa-Pukerua Coast 2018-2021 Contents 1. Key Native Ecosystem plans 1 2. Raroa - Pukerua Coast Key Native Ecosystem site 2 3. Parties involved 2 4. Ecological values 3 5. Key threats to ecological values at the site 6 6. Objectives 8 7. Operational activities 8 8. Operational delivery schedule 10 9. Funding summary 11 Appendix 1: Site maps 12 Appendix 2: Threatened species list 17 Appendix 3: Regionally threatened plant species list 19 Appendix 4: Ecological Weeds 20 References 25 Raroa - Pukerua Coast 1. Key Native Ecosystem plans The Wellington region’s native biodiversity has declined since people arrived and the ecosystems that support it face ongoing threats and pressures. Regional councils have responsibility for maintaining indigenous biodiversity, as well as protecting significant vegetation and habitats of threatened species, under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (Greater Wellington) Biodiversity Strategy1 sets a framework that guides how Greater Wellington protects and manages biodiversity in the Wellington region to work towards the vision below. Greater Wellington’s vision for biodiversity Healthy ecosystems thrive in the Wellington region and provide habitat for native biodiversity The Strategy provides a common focus across the council’s departments and guides activities relating to biodiversity. The vision is underpinned by four operating principles and three strategic goals. Goal One drives the delivery of the Key Native Ecosystem (KNE) Programme. Goal One Areas of high biodiversity value are protected or restored The KNE Programme is a non-regulatory voluntary programme that seeks to protect some of the best examples of original (pre-human) ecosystem types in the Wellington region by managing, reducing, or removing threats to their ecological values.
    [Show full text]
  • Polarised Light Microscopy: an Old Technique Casts New Light on Māori Textile Plants
    Polarised light microscopy: an old technique casts new light on Māori textile plants Rachel A. Paterson1, Bronwyn J. Lowe1*, Catherine A. Smith1, Janice M. Lord2, Roka Ngarimu-Cameron3 1Department of Applied Sciences/Te Tari Pūtaiao Whakahāngai, University of Otago/Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo, PO Box 56, Dunedin/Ōtepoti 9054, New Zealand/Aotearoa 2Department of Botany/Te Tari Huaota o Otāgo, University of Otago/Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo, PO Box 56, Dunedin/Ōtepoti 9054, New Zealand/Aotearoa 32806 State Highway 35, Hawai Bay, Opotiki 3197, New Zealand/Aotearoa Corresponding author: *[email protected] ABSTRACT Understanding the composition of an artefact has ramifications for advancing human history and behaviour knowledge, providing cultural information about trade, agricultural practices and adaptation to new environments. However, accurate plant identification from artefacts is problematic, since textile production, age, dirt and/or conservation treatments obscure morphological features, and specimen size and/or ethical considerations hamper modern analytical methods. This study tested the efficacy of polarised light microscopy (PLM) in the identification of New Zealand plant species commonly used in Māori textiles, and demonstrates that morphological and birefringent features observed using PLM have the potential to distinguish between- and within- plant genera. KEYWORDS Māori textiles, New Zealand flax, Phormium, Cordyline, Freycinetia, sign of elongation, modified Herzog test, plant material identification INTRODUCTION Accurate plant material identification is critical for advancing study of material culture, since an object’s composition provides an insight into its origin, additionally revealing important cultural information such as human interactions and emigration pathways (Schaffer 1981; Jakes et al. 1994). However, one of the main challenges for accurate identification of plant species in textile artefacts is the scarcity of distinct morphological features, evident from whole plants or individual leaves (e.g.
    [Show full text]