DSC_0761 Three Kings vine (Tecomanthe speciosa) a vigorous climber of tropical appearance. Discovered on the Three Kings Islands, 55 km off the northern tip of New Zealand, during a scientific survey in 1945, only one plant has ever been found in the wild. The long cream-coloured tubular flowers emerging directly from the stem in dense clusters, have a 'musky' scent and appear to be adapted to be pollinated by bats, however the flowers are also readily pollinated by tui and bellbirds *
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 *
