Species Spotlights: Flora

by | Nov 18, 2024 | Flora and fauna, News | 0 comments

We’ve been highlighting some of the amazing plants and animals you can find at Matuku Link on our social media. From well-hidden birds to unique flowers and insects, here are a few of our favourites. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more!

 
Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides) is a towering native tree, with a lineage stretching back to the Jurassic period. These ancient giants, which can live up to 600 years, thrive in wetland ecosystems, providing habitat, stabilising soil, and producing vibrant berries loved by native birds.
 
 
 
📸: Jacqui Geux
🧹 Mākaka / Common Broom 🧹

Mākaka is Auckland’s only native broom, playing an important role in enriching soil through nitrogen fixation. As it grows, it sheds its leaves and develops wide, flattened stems for photosynthesis. Its unique seed pods look like oval spectacle cases with 1-3 seeds hanging in the frame.

Discover more about this fascinating plant in our full spotlight here!

📸: Leah Nielsen
🌭 Raupō 🌭
 

Raupō, or bulrush, is a vital part of New Zealand wetlands, providing habitat for native species like the matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern). Known for its iconic “hotdog-shaped” seed heads, raupō helps purify water and supports wetland ecosystems by trapping sediments and nutrients. Discover the cultural significance and ecological benefits of raupō in our full spotlight here.

And find out more about how raupō could help revive our wetlands and lakes here.

 

📸: Jacqui Geux

🌾 Kuta 🌾
 
Kuta is a tall, grass-like plant that thrives in shallow freshwater habitats, playing an important role in maintaining healthy waterways. Found mainly in the North Island, it helps stabilise sediments, improves water clarity, and provides shelter for aquatic life. Kuta has also been traditionally used by Māori for weaving, with its fine stems creating mats, clothing, and more.
Learn more here.
 

📸: Jacqui Geux

🌱 Toatoa 🌱
 
Toatoa, a hardy shrub with serrated leaves and reddish stems, is often overlooked but vital to the ecosystem. It attracts pollinating moths and butterflies while providing habitat for insects, including the specialised Haloragis weevil.
 
📸: Leah Nielsen