Flora of New Zealand
- To: m*@ucdavis.edu
- Subject: Flora of New Zealand
- From: K*@aol.com
- Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998 10:16:19 EST
I did a little Internet research last night, and was somewhat surprised to
discover that the native flora of New Zealand is rather poor by international
standards (some 2000-2500 species and subspecies of vascular plants), although
rich in endemics (~80% of species). Some 200 species are considered rare and
endangered. By way of contrast, California is home to some 6300 taxa of
vascular plants, around 900 of which are considered rare and endangered.
The very interesting report entitled "The State of New Zealand's Environment"
is by the New Zealand Ministry for the Environment, and can be found at
website: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/monitoring/report.htm.
Tecomanthe speciosa, the flowering vine mentioned by Moira Ryan, is noted in
the report. It was discovered in 1946 (along with another species new to
science, a small tree called Pennantia baylisiana) on the remote Three Kings
Islands group off the tip of the North Island. When discovered, both species
were down to a single individual. The vine has proven easy to cultivate from
both cuttings and seeds, and is now common in cultivation. The situation with
the tree is not so encouraging, because the sole specimen is a female, and
therefore incapable of producing seeds.
What is the situation with the native flora in the other mediterranean climate
regions of the world? I would be interested in hearing from our friends
around the Mediterranean, in South Africa, Australia, and Chile.
Kurt Mize
Stockton, California
USDA Zone 9
