words & Photos: Dylan norfield
We all know New Zealand has this unique ecosystem with many plants only found on our shores (endemic) due to its separation from other large land masses for millions of years. This diverse and unique flora is what makes our country so special, but sometimes it can take a closer look to realise the array of flora we have. Most of us see our mainland flora on our travels, but there are also the plants that sit on the many small and large islands that surround our shores.
The islands around New Zealand are extra special as many of them were not quickly inhabited by humans, especially by pakeha, therefore some of our worst exotic pests did not establish populations at the expense of native wildlife. Some of the plants growing on the islands are so rare they may only be found on a single little island and if lost, will be lost forever. The Department of Conservation has worked hard to keep many of the islands in their current condition or turn them into sanctuaries for native flora and fauna.
The locations of these islands all around the coast of New Zealand – from the Kermadecs at the top of the north, down to the sub-Antarctic islands way down south – mean they often have a unique climate. The unusual conditions often foster unusual and unique plant features, which we as gardeners love and want to cultivate in our own gardens. Some can be difficult to grow in garden situations, whereas others have already become popular garden plants and are well worth trying if you have the correct conditions. One big killer of many of them is humidity, as they grow on these often exposed islands that are used to constant sea breezes and airflow. This is important when deciding on a location to give them, and unfortunately some will not cope with mainland situations, but with so many to choose from there is one for everyone.
One of our largest group of islands with some of the most significant flora for the garden are the Chatham Islands, situated 680 kilometres south-east of New Zealand, and which experience cool and wet conditions. One of the most popular plants from the Chatham Islands is their so-called megaherb, Myosotidium hortensia or Chatham Island forget-me-not. With its large, almost circular, fleshy pleated leaves, it is a feature all year round, looking stunning in open areas or partial shade. In the spring, large sprays of blue or white flowers (‘Alba’) erupt from the centre of the plant superficially resembling its northern hemisphere relative. Another popular garden subject for years has been Astelia chathamica, with its silver sword-like foliage, giving architectural flare to any garden.
Other plants include the beautiful Chatham Island kowhai, Sophora chathamica. It is also found on the mainland especially around Auckland, but has distinct bluish-grey foliage, setting it aside from the more commonly available species. The flowers are quite large and a very good yellow colour, attracting a huge array of birdlife to the trees and the leaves are a favourite food source for kereru.
There are also many unique herbaceous plants that make a great ground cover in cultivation. Many exotic geraniums are in cultivation, but for the native garden try Geranium traversii with single white, pale pink or even light purple flowers.
One of the more unusual plants originating on the island is the non-spiky Aciphylla dieffenbachii. More commonly known as wild Spaniards, plants within the genus are characteristically hazardous, with every part of the plant out there to pierce your skin as you walk past. The Chatham Islands native, on the contrary, with its lack of spikes, is a great choice for the garden, being much more child-friendly. It does, however, have its own set of specific cultural requirements. Being naturally only found on coastal cliffs, it loves free-draining soils with great air movement, and if these requirements are not met it has a tendency to rot in the centre and not last long in garden situations.
Another species that likes open locations is the beautiful tree daisy Olearia chathamica. Fleshy dark-green leaves are silvery underneath, while the daisy-like flowers are light purple. It’s well deserving of a spot in the garden.
The diversity from a single group of islands is great, providing plants that add unique elements to any garden. Finding a suitable location is well worth the effort as, added to a native garden, they showcase our flora, but also sit well in with any exotic plantings.
