DSC_0665 Marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) an introduced grass - native to Europe and North Africa - which was brought to New Zealand to stabilise sand dunes for forestry plantings and erosion control. It is now invasive in some areas, out-competing and displacing native species and altering coastal topography. Smaills Beach, Otago Peninsula *
DSC_0664 Marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) an introduced grass - native to Europe and North Africa - which was brought to New Zealand to stabilise sand dunes for forestry plantings and erosion control. It is now invasive in some areas, out-competing and displacing native species and altering coastal topography. Smaills Beach, Otago Peninsula
DSC_1360 Cord grass (Spartina sp.) an introduced weed which grows vigorously on tidal mud flats, where no other plant establishes. The clumps are very effective at trapping sediments, causing land to build up around them, and destroying natural saltmarsh habitats. Wakouaiti Rivermouth *