DSC_3525 Nikau (Rhopalostylis sapida) fronds of Chatham Island palms in the understory. Nikau on the Chatham Islands are probably distinct from R. sapida but further research is required. They have a distinct juvenile form, larger fruits, and thicker indumentum on the fronds. Nikau Reserve, Main Chatham Island *
DSC_3524 Nikau (Rhopalostylis sapida) flower of a Chatham Island nikau in the understory. Nikau on the Chatham Islands are probably distinct from R. sapida but further research is required. They have a distinct juvenile form, larger fruits, and thicker indumentum on the fronds. Nikau Reserve, Main Chatham Island *
DSC_4672 Cabbage tree, or ti kouka (Cordyline australis) a large multi-stemmed tree, with climbing leather-leaf fern, or ota (Pyrrosia eleagnifolia) growing on trunk. The cabbage tree's bark is thick and tough like cork, and the trunk is so fire-resistant that early European settlers used it to make chimneys for their huts. Ngaio, Wellington *
