Threatened Species
About New Zealands Threatened Native Plant Species
About New Zealands Threatened Native Plant Species Overview
New Zealand is home to many unique plant species, but a significant number are threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting habitats, controlling pests, and propagating rare plants for restoration. Notable threatened species include Euphorbia glauca (Shore Spurge), Dactylanthus taylorii (Wood Rose), and Pimelea actea. Public awareness and involvement are crucial for the survival of these plants and the preservation of New Zealands botanical heritage.
The causes of decline for New Zealand's native plants are varied, including habitat loss, introduced pests and weeds, climate change, and human activity. Many threatened species now survive only in small, isolated populations, making them vulnerable to local extinction events.
Conservation efforts include seed banking, habitat protection, pest control, and cultivation programs. By learning about these threatened plants and supporting conservation initiatives, we can all contribute to ensuring these botanical treasures survive for future generations to appreciate.
Understanding Conservation Status Categories
Threatened
Facing high risk of extinction in the wild, including Nationally Critical, Nationally Endangered, and Nationally Vulnerable categories.
At Risk
Not immediately threatened but could become so if population trends continue, including Declining, Recovering, Relict, and Naturally Uncommon categories.
Not Threatened
Evaluated and not found to be at risk currently.
Kauri
Agathis australis
Ancient forest giant threatened by kauri dieback disease, a water mold that infects the tree through its roots and has spread rapidly in recent decades.
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Kakabeak North Island
Clianthus maximus
Striking shrub with brilliant red, beak-shaped flowers that now has fewer than 200 plants remaining in the wild due to habitat loss and browsing animals.
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Kakabeak South Island
Clianthus puniceus
Kakabeak is a critically endangered native shrub with distinctive red flowers shaped like a parrot's beak.
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Fairchild's Kohuhu
Pittosporum fairchildii
Fairchild's kohuhu is a rare native tree with attractive foliage, found in specific forest habitats.
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Mikimiki
Coprosma linariifolia
Mikimiki is a small native shrub with narrow leaves and small flowers, found in forest understories.
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White Sedge
Carex albula
Complete guide to White Sedge (Carex albula), a critically threatened endemic South Island species with distinctive bleached foliage and specialize...
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Orange New Zealand Iris
Libertia peregrinans
Complete guide to Orange New Zealand Iris (Libertia peregrinans), including conservation status and its stunning orange-copper foliage that glows i...
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Cheeseman's Daisy
Olearia cheesemanii
Complete guide to Cheeseman's Daisy (Olearia cheesemanii), a rare streamside tree daisy with spectacular white flower displays and conservation imp...
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Fragrant Tree Daisy
Olearia fragrantissima
Complete guide to Fragrant Tree Daisy (Olearia fragrantissima), an At Risk declining native shrub with deliciously fragrant apricot-peach scented f...
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Hector's Tree Daisy
Olearia hectorii
Complete guide to Hector's Tree Daisy (Olearia hectorii), a critically endangered deciduous native tree that supports endemic moths and requires ur...
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Scented Tree Daisy
Olearia odorata
Complete guide to Scented Tree Daisy (Olearia odorata), an At Risk declining native shrub with fragrant white flowers supporting native moths and i...
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Poor Knights Lily
Xeronema callistemon
Complete guide to Poor Knights Lily (Xeronema callistemon), including cultivation tips and its spectacular red bottlebrush flowers unique to New Ze...
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