DSC_1262 NZ Gloxinia, or Taurepo (Rhabdothamnus solandri) flowers throughout the year. Found in North Island coastal and lowland forests, mainly near streams, on rocky slopes and clinging to cliff faces. This unique endemic plant - with relatives on Lord Howe Island and Chile - is threatened and in decline, because of its co-dependance with our endangered native birds. The open-ended trumpet shaped flowers are specifically adapted for pollination by the long tapered beaks of hihi (stitchbird), tieke (saddleback), and bellbird, all of which are now absent from Northland forests, leaving only tui as a remaining pollinator. *
DSC_6745 Mangrove (Avicennia marina australasica) large trees at high tide. This pioneer species is the most widespread of the world's mangroves. The fruit matures into a floating seed pod which can survive in sea water and accounts for its ability to colonize new areas. Te Haumi *
DSC_6764 Mangrove (Avicennia marina australasica) large trees at low tide. This pioneer species is the most widespread of the world's mangroves. The fruit matures into a floating seed pod which can survive in sea water and accounts for its ability to colonize new areas. Te Haumi *
