Introduction
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 Zealand's 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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Kākābeak 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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Kākābeak South Island
Clianthus puniceus
Kākābeak is a critically endangered native shrub with distinctive red flowers shaped like a parrot's beak.
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Fairchild's Kōhūhū
Pittosporum fairchildii
Fairchild's kōhūhū 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
White Sedge is a critically threatened South Island endemic with distinctive pale foliage, found only in specialized wetland habitats requiring conservation.
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Orange New Zealand Iris
Libertia peregrinans
Orange New Zealand Iris features striking orange-copper foliage that glows in sunlight, with white flowers and important conservation needs in the wild.
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Cheeseman's Daisy
Olearia cheesemanii
Cheeseman's Daisy is a rare streamside tree daisy with masses of white flowers, critically endangered and requiring urgent conservation efforts.
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Fragrant Tree Daisy
Olearia fragrantissima
Fragrant Tree Daisy produces intensely fragrant apricot-peach scented flowers, an At Risk declining species valued for its exceptional perfume.
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Hector's Tree Daisy
Olearia hectorii
Hector's Tree Daisy is a critically endangered deciduous native supporting endemic moths, requiring urgent conservation with fewer than 50 wild plants remaining.
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Scented Tree Daisy
Olearia odorata
Scented Tree Daisy produces sweetly fragrant white flowers beloved by native moths, an At Risk declining species needing habitat protection.
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Poor Knights Lily
Xeronema callistemon
Poor Knights Lily displays spectacular red bottlebrush flowers unique to New Zealand, naturally restricted to offshore islands but popular in cultivation.
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