Forest Trees
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu)
Ulva Island (both photos)
This widespread podocarp occurs throughout New Zealand, except in most of the eastern half of the South Island. Its pricky, short, weeping foliage makes it easy to identify as a juvenile tree. Like other podocarps, the adult foliage is different and is closely-adpressed to the stems, more like a cypress tree (hence the scientific name).
Rimu grows into a tall, very long-lived tree. The berry-like fruits are vital as the food-source of the endangered Kakapo, whose breeding cycle and success are directly linked to major fruiting years for the Rimu.
Rimu grows into a tall, very long-lived tree. The berry-like fruits are vital as the food-source of the endangered Kakapo, whose breeding cycle and success are directly linked to major fruiting years for the Rimu.
Pectinopitys ferruginea (syn. Prumnopitys ferruginea) (Miro)
Ulva Island
Dracophyllum longifolium (Inaka)
Ulva Island
This tall Dracophyllum can be seen across New Zealand, from sea level (as here, at Ulva Island) up to montane elevations. The grass-like leaves are a useful identification feature.
Astelia fragrans (Flax Lily)
plant with immature berries, Ulva Island
A common species of lowland forests, A.fragrans forms long-leaved tufts on the ground and is also common as an epiphyte in high-rainfall areas. Individual leaves can be up to 2 metres long.
A.fragrans can be recognised by the prominent pale vein on each side of the midrib and its orange berries which are flecked with red. The similar A.solandri has silvery undersides to the leaves, yellow-brown berries and is usually an epiphyte.
A.fragrans can be recognised by the prominent pale vein on each side of the midrib and its orange berries which are flecked with red. The similar A.solandri has silvery undersides to the leaves, yellow-brown berries and is usually an epiphyte.
Metrosideros umbellata (Southern Rata)
trunk with epiphytes, Ulva Island
In most of the South Island, this is the only Rata species present, and it is the only one on Stewart Island. It can grow to huge proprtions and is very long-lived.
Although the flowers are similar to other Ratas, the narrow, glossy green, pointed leaves distinguish it easily where it co-exists with its cousins (mainly in the North Island).
Although the flowers are similar to other Ratas, the narrow, glossy green, pointed leaves distinguish it easily where it co-exists with its cousins (mainly in the North Island).
Weinmannia racemosa (Kamahi)
Ulva Island
Kamahi is described in the Flora of the Catlins and Canterbury section of the site.
Fuchsia excorticata (Tree Fuchsia)
Fuchsia Walk, Stewart Island
Tree Fuchsia is described in the Flora of the Catlins and Canterbury section of the site.
Coprosma sp.
Ulva Island
Text coming soon!
Coprosma foetidissima (Stinkwood / Hupiro)
Ulva Island
Named for its strong aroma, this tree is truly well-named. My guide on Ulva told a tale o one of these trees being chopped down and th area smelling like an open sewer afterwards!
C.foetidissima can be recognised by its leaves which smell of rotten eggs when crushed and the orange fruits which lack any darker red flecks and also tastes terrible. It is a species that can be seen throughout New Zealand, mainly in lowland forests.
C.foetidissima can be recognised by its leaves which smell of rotten eggs when crushed and the orange fruits which lack any darker red flecks and also tastes terrible. It is a species that can be seen throughout New Zealand, mainly in lowland forests.
Coprosma lucida (Karamu)
Ulva Island
A common, large Coprosma found throughout New Zealand's forests, especially where sunlight is strong, Karamu can be recognised by its large, dark green, shiny leaves and copious clusters of berries.
Carpodetus serratus (Putaputaweta)
Ulva Island
The small, serrated, marbled leaves and tangled stems of this common species make it easy to identify. When mature, the divaricating phase is left behind and the leaves become larger. The white flowers occur in panicles, followed by small, purple-black berries. You can see a photo of a flowering plant here.
Griselinia littoralis
Ulva Island
This common shrub is described in the Flora of the Catlins & Canterbury section of the site.
Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)
Ulva Island
The very robust, numerous teeth along the leaf margins (young leaves) separate this species from the similar P.crassifolius. Mature plants also bear larger berries than crassifolius. Toothed Lancewood is widespread in New Zealand but generally less common.
Brachyglottis sp
Ulva Island
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Olearia oporina
Ulva Island
Endemic to the southern end of New Zealand, this attractive species occurs in Fiordland, Southland and on Stewart Island. It can be identified by the many blunt teeth around the narrow leaves, which have pale, hairy undersides. Although often a shrub, it can grow to small tree proportions.
Forest Shrubs
Neomyrtus pedunculata
Ulva Island
This species is described in the Flora of the south-western South Island section of the site.
Rubus cissoides
Ulva Island
Text coming soon!
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree)
Ulva Island
One of the most familiar New Zealand native plants, this species grows up to around 14m in height, with typical narrow, strap-like leaves and beautful white flowering panicles in summer.
The similar-looking C.banksii (Forest Cabbage Tree) is a smaller species with drooping leaves, which have orange midribs. It is absent from Stewart Island.
The common name of Cabbage Tree derives from the taste the cooked plants were said to remind members of the Captain Cook expedition of.
The similar-looking C.banksii (Forest Cabbage Tree) is a smaller species with drooping leaves, which have orange midribs. It is absent from Stewart Island.
The common name of Cabbage Tree derives from the taste the cooked plants were said to remind members of the Captain Cook expedition of.
Stilbocarpa sp
Ulva Island
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Luzuriaga parviflora
Ulva Island
This species is described in the Flora of the South-western South Island section of the site.
Linum monogynum
Ulva Island
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Dendrobium cunninghamii (syn. Winika cunninghamii)
Ulva Island
This beautiful, largely epiphytic orchid is easy to recognise, and a delight to see in the wild. The white flowers with purple tints, tufted habit and cane-like stems are unlike any other native species.
D.cunninghamii occurs throughout New Zealand, although it is absent from many inland parts of the South Island.
D.cunninghamii occurs throughout New Zealand, although it is absent from many inland parts of the South Island.
Aporostylis bifolia
Ulva Island
This widespread orchid is described in the Flora of Arthur's Pass section of the site.
Pterostylis sp
Ulva Island
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Ferns
Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen & Chickens Fern)
Fuchsia Walk, Stewart Island
Ulva Island
Instantly recognisable, this common fern is often covered in small plantlets on its broad and handsome fronds.
Hen & Chickens Fern can be seen throughout moist, forested parts of New Zealand.
Fuchsia Walk, Stewart Island
Hen & Chickens Fern can be seen throughout moist, forested parts of New Zealand.
Fuchsia Walk, Stewart Island
Hymenophyllum rarum or demissum
Ulva Island
Text coming soon!
Blechnum fluviatile (Creek Fern)
Stewart Island
As its name suggests, this small fern is a species of moist creeklines and damp forests. The rounded pinnae on fronds which spread out flat from a central point make it fairly straightforward to recognise. It can be seen througout New Zealand's islands as well as south-eastern Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
Blechnum procerum agg.
Ulva Island
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Cyathea smithii (Soft Tree Fern)
Stewart Island
This species is described in the Flora of the South-western South Island section of the site.
Pellaea rotundifolia
Stewart Island
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Tmesipteris elongata
Ulva Island
Text coming soon!
