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About 10–15% of the total land area of New Zealand is covered with native flora, from tall kauri and kohekohe forests to rainforest dominated by rimu, beech, tawa, matai and rata; ferns and flax; dunelands with their spinifex and pingao; alpine and subalpine herb fields; and scrub and tussock.
- Rātā
Southern rātā is the most widespread of all New Zealand...
- Pōhutukawa
In New Zealand, this genus is represented by two pōhutukawa...
- Kōwhai
Eight species of kōwhai are now recognised in New Zealand in...
- Nīkau Palm
There are over 1,100 palm species around the world,...
- Rātā
This article relates to the flora of New Zealand, especially indigenous strains. New Zealand's geographical isolation has meant the country has developed a unique variety of native flora.
The environment of New Zealand is characterised by an endemic flora and fauna which has evolved in near isolation from the rest of the world. [ 1 ] The main islands of New Zealand span two biomes, temperate and subtropical, complicated by large mountainous areas above the tree line. [ 2 ]
New Zealand has four main types of alpine vegetation: Grassland vegetation contains mostly grasses, especially large, evergreen snow tussocks. Growing amongst these are shrubs such as hebes, and other flowering plants such as mountain daisies and buttercups.
There are 2,500 native plant types, including flowering plants, ferns and conifers. There are also 5,800 types of fungi (such as mushrooms). The mountains are home to tussocks, daisies, and shrubs with bright berries. Swamps and river banks have rushes, cabbage trees, flax and bulrushes.
Since New Zealand drifted away from the super-continent, a unique flora and fauna has evolved, leaving a land full of interesting plants and creatures. Find out how you can experience New Zealand's wildlife when you visit.
The definitive reference to New Zealand plants. The latest scientific information about indigenous and naturalised plants found in New Zealand. Find taxa in the Flora. Browse. Weed. Gallery. Taxon. View all. Publications.
