PLANT IDENTIFICATION

What are the key identification features of Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides)?

Fine, soft, scale-like leaves and a tall straight trunk.

Where is Kahikatea commonly found?

In swampy lowland forests of New Zealand.

What ecological role do Kahikatea's orange fleshy receptacles serve?

They are eaten by birds that disperse its seeds.

What is a distinguishing feature of Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum)?

Drooping red-tinged foliage and red-brown flaky bark.

What type of reproduction does Rimu have?

It is dioecious and its seeds grow on fleshy stalks dispersed by kererū.

What are the key features of Tōtara (Podocarpus totara)?

Sharp juvenile leaves and stringy red-brown bark.

In what types of environments is Tōtara commonly found?

Widespread in the canopy of both islands.

What type of fruit does Tōtara produce?

Small red fleshy cones eaten by birds.

Describe a unique feature of Tanekaha (Phyllocladus trichomanoides).

It has flat, leaf-like phylloclades instead of true leaves.

What kind of forests is Tanekaha typically found in?

Northern North Island forests.

How does Tanekaha reproduce?

By cones.

What are the key identification features of Pukatea (Laurelia novae-zelandiae)?

Glossy serrated leaves and large buttressed roots.

In which type of forests does Pukatea grow?

Swamp forests of the North and northern South Islands.

What is the ecological significance of Pukatea's buttress roots?

They stabilize the tree in wet soils and aid in gas exchange.

What characterizes Kawakawa (Piper excelsum)?

Heart-shaped aromatic leaves often covered in insect holes.

What type of plant is Kawakawa in terms of its reproductive system?

It is dioecious.

Where can Kawakawa be commonly found?

In coastal and lowland forests.

What is the ecological role of Kawakawa's orange fruit?

It attracts birds which disperse the seeds.

Identify a key feature of Kānuka (Kunzea robusta).

Tiny soft leaves and clusters of small fluffy white flowers.

What type of plant is Kānuka categorized as?

An early successional shrub or small tree.

What happens to Kānuka's seed capsules after flowering?

They fall off soon after flowering.

What distinguishes Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium)?

Small prickly leaves and larger flat flowers.

What is a reproductive characteristic of Mānuka?

Its woody seed capsules remain on the plant for many months.

What identifies Tītoki (Alectryon excelsus)?

Glossy pinnate leaves and red capsules that split open.

Where is Tītoki typically found?

In the North Island and northern South Island.

How are Tītoki's fruits significant ecologically?

They are eaten and dispersed by birds.

What notable features does Kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile) have?

Glossy pinnate leaves and white fragrant flowers.

What type of environment does Kohekohe thrive in?

Coastal to lowland subcanopy areas.

What kind of ecological role does Kohekohe play during winter?

It provides nectar for native birds.

What key identification feature does Red Mapou (Myrsine australis) possess?

Reddish stems and small leathery entire leaves.

What type of plant is Red Mapou?

A dioecious subcanopy shrub.

What is a significant aspect of Karamū (Coprosma robusta)?

Opposite glossy leaves and large orange-red berries.

Where does Karamū typically grow?

In forest margins and regenerating bush.

What distinguishes Twiggy Coprosma (Coprosma rhamnoides)?

Tiny leaves and a tangled divaricating form.

What type of habitat does Twiggy Coprosma prefer?

Forest edges and open scrub.

What characterizes Tarata / Lemonwood (Pittosporum eugenioides)?

Wavy lemon-scented leaves with fine serrations.

What is significant about the seed capsules of Tarata?

They are sticky and split to release black seeds.

What are the notable features of Kaikōmako (Pennantia corymbosa)?

Divaricating juvenile form and large adult leaves.

Where is Kaikōmako commonly found?

NZ-wide as a subcanopy tree.

What adaptation does Kaikōmako exhibit during its juvenile stage?

It protects itself from browsing until it reaches light.

What characterizes Kauri (Agathis australis)?

A massive column-like trunk, flaky bark, and opposite leathery leaves.

In which region is Kauri predominantly found?

In Northland and Waikato forests.

What type of reproduction does Kauri have?

It is cone-bearing and produces resin instead of fruit.

What is a key difference between Rimu and Kahikatea?

Rimu has drooping foliage and reddish bark, while Kahikatea is upright with fine scales and smooth grey bark.

Where does Rimu typically grow?

On well-drained slopes, while Kahikatea is found in swamps.

What distinguishes Tōtara from Kauri?

Tōtara has spiky juvenile leaves and stringy bark, while Kauri has flat opposite leaves and flaky "hammer" bark.

In terms of habitat, how do Tōtara and Kauri differ?

Kauri grows in northern clay forests, while Tōtara is found on drier hills.

What identification features can help distinguish Mānuka from Kānuka?

Mānuka has prickly leaves and large flat flowers, while Kānuka has soft leaves and smaller fluffy flowers.

What is the reproductive difference between Mānuka and Kānuka?

Mānuka has persistent woody capsules, whereas Kānuka's capsules fall quickly.

What are the primary distinctions between Pukatea and Kahikatea?

Pukatea has serrated leaves and buttressed roots, while Kahikatea has scale leaves and a straight trunk.

In what type of soil do Pukatea and Kahikatea thrive?

Both thrive in swampy soils, but Pukatea is a flowering tree and Kahikatea is a conifer.