Nature's Corner – Flora Notes – Early to Mid Summer 2005-2006
More Tui Food Favourites
 |
| Tui guards korari |
As spring merged into summer, the flowering of wharariki / mountain flax (Phormium cookianum) continued and the flowering of harakeke / swamp flax (Phormium tenax) began. The sights of iridescent tui sipping nectar or proclaiming possession by perching on a korari (flowering stem) and singing vigorously, charmed many visitors. The birds were often so engrossed in their feasting that people were able to approach them more closely than usual. A lot of camera clicking went on near the Weka Fence on Lake Road, along the Keith Taylor wetland trail, and at Tui Terrace, with mixed results judging by the exclamations I heard in passing. Why do they almost always move the second you depress the button?
 |
| Tui with orange flax pollen on its head Photo by Tom Lynch |
In the process of feeding, beaks and foreheads became plastered with bright orange flax pollen, giving the birds such an altered appearance that some viewers doubted that they were tui. ‘What are those birds with orange heads?’ I was asked more than once. From the plants’ perspective, the offer of free food is designed to bring about pollen transfers to fertilise flowers and enable seed production. The many pods that have since replaced the flowers prove the efficacy of the system.
Before the valley was cleared for farming in the 19th Century, when the supply of flax nectar waned in late December, rata nectar would have replaced it on the tui menu. Northern rata (Metrosideros robusta) are being planted in the Sanctuary to restore this lost food resource, but it will be many years before they are mature enough to flower. I had hoped to see flowers on our sole surviving mature northern rata this summer, but it seems to be resting after having reportedly produced a smattering of flowers in the summers of 2003-4 and 2004-5. It has, however, put on quite a lot of orange-tinted new leaves which will be beneficial to its health.
 |
| Pohutukawa flowers |
In the meantime, tui have ranged widely around the city, collecting nectar from the rata’s close relative, the pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa). Although not native to this area, it has been widely planted in private gardens and public amenity areas. Even the Sanctuary, which was formerly a waterworks reserve, has one large and one small pohutukawa up the bank behind the reservoir overflow channel that borders the Heritage Lawn. As the trust’s intention is to restore, as far as possible, the valley’s original vegetation, these trees may eventually have to be removed to prevent unwanted hybridisation when the plantings of rata are ready to flower, but in the meantime we enjoy their cheerful red flowers at Christmas and in early January and the local tui harvest their nectar.
What’s Flowering?
Trees and Shrubs
 |
| Koromiko taranga buds & flowers |
Koromiko Taranga (Hebe parviflora var. arborea). A fine specimen growing behind the Sanctuary sign at the car park entrance was coming into flower in mid January. In a good year masses of dainty veronica-like flower spikes convert it into a mound of white.
 |
| Pate flowers |
Pate (Schefflera digitata). Flower buds were first noticed towards the end of November and some of the tiny greenish-yellow flowers were open by early January. They star long finger-like stems that on some trees droop gracefully and on others stick out stiffly. Pate is widely distributed in the valley. There is a very accessible example ten paces south of the brushwood hide on the new track at the Keith Taylor wetland. Those opposite Birdsong Gully were still in bud when last seen.
 |
| Kanuka flowers (enlarged) |
Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides). Small white flowers, with prominent stamens that give them a fluffy appearance, cluster among the fine foliage. Observe them while walking the Hides Loop Track.
 |
| Manuka flowers |
Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium). Manuka has also been flowering along the Hides Loop Track since early December. The white flowers are similar to kanuka flowers but larger and not clustered. Their stamens are much less prominent. If uncertain whether you are looking at manuka or kanuka, close your hand over some foliage. If it feels uncomfortably prickly, it is manuka.
Mahoe / Whiteywood (Melicytus ramiflorus). Below the leaves, small yellowish flowers with a sweet scent have been decorating twigs since mid November. There were still trees (mostly males, probably) in flower at mid January, but they may cease quite soon because many females have moved into the fruit formation stage. Mahoe is widespread in the Sanctuary. (see below for photo)
 |
| Mapau flowers |
Mapau / Red Matipo (Myrsine australis). Clusters of minute cream flowers started appearing in early January. They are easily seen on a small tree behind the Mike Stewart seat at the back of the Heritage Lawn, or at Round Lawn on the tree behind the Fred Milligan seat. Mapau has undulating yellowish-green leaves with pale undersides. Young twigs are red to orange-tan in colour.
 |
| Ramarama flowers |
Ramarama (Lophomyrtus bullata). White four-petalled flowers started opening in January to expose brushes of white stamens. When walking the western section of the Round the Lake Track, look for the specimen growing up on the west bank a little south of the ST transect mark.
Climbers
 |
| Karewao flowers (enlarged) |
Karewao / Kareao / Supplejack (Ripogonum scandens). While their ripe fruit catches the eye in summer, these vines also have sprays of tiny green flowers that are harder to distinguish. Look for them on the vines at the first sharp bend as you start to ascend the Beech Track by the gentle route, or inspect the dangling vine on the right about ten paces in from the north entrance to the Swamp Track.
Pohuehue (Muehlenbeckia australis). Sprays of tiny, close-set, green flower buds and greenish-cream flowers continue to appear on the leafy canopies of these vines. There are some growing on the western margin of Lake Road opposite posts 63-67 of the new Research Area fence, and more on the trees along the back of Tui Terrace.
On the Ground Floor
 |
| Rimuroa flower (enlarged) |
Rimuroa / Blue Harebell (Wahlenbergia sp.). Specks of pale or vivid blue in grassy areas are likely to be the flowers of this dainty perennial. This one was photographed in early December on the west side of Lake Road above the Keith Taylor wetland.
 |
| Panakenake flowers and fruit |
Panakenake (Pratia angulata). This prostrate plant has been used as a groundcover in garden plots on the north side of the Weka Fence on Lake Road and at Tui Terrace. It is studded with small lopsided white flowers for much of the year.
Flower Show’s Over
 |
| Akatea tawhai flowers |
Akatea Tawhai / Pink Rata Vine (Metrosideros diffusa). Small tufts of pale stamens clustering on leafless twigs appeared in December on a vine that leans out over the creek beside the Lake Road culvert at the south junction with Te Mahanga Track. Some vines of this species have pinkish flowers, but others, like this one, have white or near-white flowers.
 |
| Female kohia flower |
Kohia / NZ Passion Vine (Passiflora tetrandra). Flowering near the Visitor Centre from early December but over by Christmas. Kohia is yet another of our dioeciousplants. The female flowers look like little dancers holding their skirts over their heads.
Peka-a-waka / Hanging Tree Orchid (Earina mucronata). Three clumps of this epiphytic orchid, transplanted into the Sanctuary some time ago as part of the flora restoration programme, were seen flowering early in December. Pendulous stems bore rows of small greenish-cream and yellow flowers with the typical orchid shape. Two of the grassy-leaved clumps are wired onto the branches of a hinau that can be seen from the alternative short but steep Beech Track route.
 |
| Harakeke flowers |
Harakeke / Swamp Flax (Phormium tenax). These flowered mainly in December and, because they started later than their wharariki / mountain flax cousins, extended the period that flax nectar was available to tui and other nectar-eating birds.
Immature Fruit or Seeds
Trees and Shrubs
 |
| Unripe akeake seeds |
Akeake (Dodonaea viscosa). Female trees may appear to have pale yellowish-green flowers but a close inspection will reveal large bunches of papery-winged seeds. Check them out on the tree to the left of the safety information sign in our car park, or the one at the north end of the Visitor Centre deck.
Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus). Green fruit clusters have emerged from rosettes of large glossy leaves. Look for them on the trees at the west end of the Upper Dam. They will ripen in February, if not before.
 |
| Unripe poroporo fruit |
Poroporo (Solanum laciniatum). Although there are still some flowers to be admired, many have been succeeded by large glossy green berries resembling miniature tamarillos. The poroporo grove at Birdsong Gully is a good place to view them.
 |
| Unripe karamu fruit |
Karamu (Coprosma robusta). Female trees have tight clusters of small, oblong, green fruits crowded along their branchlets. There are many examples along Lake Road, including one identified with a sign that you will see on the western verge soon after passing the south entrance to Alison Morton’s memorial.
Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum). Yellowish-green fruits are developing among the heart-shaped leaves on female bushes. The black dots are seeds that are forming just below the skin of the fruit. Examine the two female bushes at the south end of Tui Terrace. (see photo below for an example of ripe and unripe fruit).
Kohuhu (Pittosporum tenuifolium). Pale rounded capsules have formed on female or hermaphrodite trees. At this stage they have a slightly furry surface. Inspect the female tree behind the Doris Eder seat at the Heritage Lawn. The unfruitful tree at the east end of the channel fence is male.
 |
| Close-up of unripe ti kouka fruit |
Ti Kouka / Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis). Large multi-branched panicles beaded with small green fruits are projecting from the leaf tufts of all mature specimens. For a close look at the fruit, inspect the trees growing between Lake Road and Round Lawn, across from the Ops Shed.
Hangehange (Geniostoma rupestre). Hangehange bushes are encountered along all the tracks. Their clusters of tiny pointed green capsules might easily be mistaken for buds.
 |
| Unripe kowhai seed pods |
Kowhai (Sophora microphylla).Green pods have been growing ever since the spring flowers withered. Initially they were very skinny and capped by the furry golden-brown calyxes that formerly protected the flowers. Now they have filled out unevenly to resemble strings of green medallions. The intermittent swellings mark the location of seeds. The pods are hard to distinguish among the now abundant leaves but you may glimpse some on the trees off to the right at the start of the steps to the Discovery Area, or on the downhill side of the eastern section of the Round the Lake Track between the U and T transects.
 |
| Unripe mahoe fruit |
Mahoe / Whiteywood (Melicytus ramiflorus). Some female trees have finished or nearly finished flowering by early January and already have crops of tiny green fruit clothing the otherwise bare twigs below their leaves. At the back of the Round Lawn, take a look at the specimen in the southwest corner, to the left of the Mapau sign.
 |
| Unripe makomako fruit |
Makomako / Wineberry (Aristotelia serrata). Tiny green berries have succeeded the flowers on female trees and will ripen to red and black as summer progresses. Inspect the tree overhanging John Cottle’s seat at Birdsong Gully or walk 11 paces across the Upper Dam from its western end to a tree growing against the mesh on the south side. Remember that the large makomako near the caged feeding station at the Keith Taylor wetland is a male so does not bear fruit.
 |
| Unripe tarata seed capsules |
Tarata / Lemonwood (Pittosporum eugenioides). Trees are currently carrying two or even three generations of seed capsules. Bunches of tiny green capsules from the latest spring flowering are accompanied by bunches of larger green capsules from the previous season’s flowers. Some of the latter are starting to yellow slightly as the ripening process begins. Remnant black capsules resulted from the 2003 flowering. At the Heritage Lawn, examine the tree that overhangs the fence behind the Ferguson seat.
 |
| Unripe whau seed capsules |
Whau / Corkwood (Entelea arborescens). Spiny green seed capsules stand above the large soft leaves on trees near the end of the track to the Campbell Street emergency exit and by the northernmost bird-watching hide on the Hides Loop Track. Even a small sapling has produced some capsules at the latter site.
Ngaio (Myoporum laetum). By mid January flowers were sparse and small green fruits were developing. Find them on the young trees that grow either side of the Ti Kouka sign on the western verge of Lake Road as it passes above the Keith Taylor wetland.
Kamahi (Weinmannia racemosa). An abundance of developing seed capsules are imparting a rusty tinge to the occasional large rounded tree standing out from the surrounding bush on the western scarp.
Climbers
 |
| Unripe kaihua seedpods |
Kaihua / New Zealand Jasmine (Parsonsia heterophylla). Long, slender, pale green pods hang on the vines in December and January. When ascending the Beech Track by the gentle route, about 50 paces beyond the first sharp bend you will see a tall skinny tree fern on the right and just beyond it, high in the canopy, a vine with many pods. On the Valley View Track, look for them on the west or downhill side either 20 paces south or 35 paces north of the Weka Fence gate.
Kohia / NZ Passion Vine (Passiflora tetrandra). Globular green fruits have been developing since late December. They are easily seen on the vine hanging across the overflow channel near the bollards that restrict the road access to the Visitor Centre.
On the Ground Floor
 |
| Unripe harakeke seedpods |
 |
| Unripe wharariki seed pods |
Wharariki / Mountain Flax (Phormium cookianum) and Harakeke / Swamp Flax (Phormium tenax). By early January, pods had largely replaced flowers on the stately stems known as korari. This is the ideal time to distinguish the two species. Wharariki pods hang down and become twisted in shape as they develop. They are green for a period before starting to darken and ripen. Harakeke pods stand upright and never twist. They tend to be shorter, plumper and blunter in shape, and darker in colour even when young. Look for harakeke growing in the Keith Taylor wetland and beside the fish ladder. There may be the odd wharariki nearby for comparison, if not, study those up by the Weka Fence across Lake Road. The car park is another place where comparisons between the species can be made.
Ripe Fruit or Seeds
Trees and Shrubs
 |
| Tutu fruit ripening |
Tutu (Coriaria arborea). Bushes continue to produce dwindling numbers of buds and flowers during summer, especially if rain stimulates a surge of growth, but increasingly their catkins are studded with ripe dark purple fruit or immature pale pink fruit. The fleshy part enclosing the seeds of each tiny fruit are actually the former flower petals grown swollen and succulent. This photograph was taken on a young bush growing in the grassy border that divides the Keith Taylor Lawn from the wetland. It is located midway between the group of 3 waterworks valves and the first Community Trust seat. A larger bush at the south end of the brushwood bird-watching hide on the new wetland trail also had plenty of fruit when last seen. Tutu fruit is relished by birds, but cannot be safely eaten by humans unless the minute but very poisonous seeds have been sieved out.
%20AB%201-05.jpg) |
| One ripe and two unripe kawakawa fruit |
Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum). Certain bushes may have some ripe orange fruit by the end of January. Survey the bushes on your left as you walk from the entrance gate towards the Ops Shed and Round Lawn.
Mapau / Red Matipo (Myrsine australis). Some fruit is ripening in January at the same time as the trees come into flower. Fully ripe fruit is black. Look for fruit on the young tree growing on the western verge of Lake Road opposite post 72 of the Research Area fence.
 |
| Ripe kanono fruit |
Kanono (Coprosma grandifolia). The clusters of small, pale green fruits on individual female trees have been turning orange since December ended. Check out the tree behind the Reynolds seat on the northeast side of the Round Lawn. Kanono is widespread in the Sanctuary so you are sure to notice others as you make your way further up the valley.
 |
| Porokaiwhiri fruit |
Porokaiwhiri / Pigeonwood (Hedycarya arborea). Female trees are bedecked with bright orange fruit. When ascending the Beech Track by the gentle route, notice the fruiting tree on the right about 44 paces past the first hairpin bend. You will encounter similar specimens on all our bush tracks.
Whauwhaupaku / Five Finger (Pseudopanax arboreus). On female trees large starburst-type structures called compound umbels carry many tiny purplish-black fruits. Tieke/saddlebacks are among the various birds that have been observed eating them recently. Feeding birds or wind gusts often dislodge umbel fragments with fruit attached so you are likely to encounter some lying on the tracks.
 |
| Ripe and unripe kotukutuku fruit |
Kotukutuku / Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata). Ripe fruits have been appearing among the green ones, and promptly disappearing again, since November. One never sees very many because the birds pick them off so quickly. Known as konini, the fruit varies from dark purple to almost black when ripe. Look up into the tree by the track sign at the upper (south) end of the Swamp Track or the tree overhanging the west end of the Upper Dam. The tree behind the directional sign at the south end of Te Mahanga Track is another option. While fruit spotting, notice the white undersides of the leaves.
Climbers
 |
| Ripe karewao fruit |
Karewao / Kareao / Supplejack (Ripogonum scandens). Loose bunches of bright red berries are showing up in many places. Examples are easily seen from the Beech and Swamp Tracks.
On the Ground Floor
 |
| Toetoe seed plume |
Toetoe (Cortaderia sp.). Flower plumes have become dry fluffy seed plumes. If you touch them you can feel the seeds they hold and if you shake them some seeds may take to the air. In some cases the wind has already combed all the fluffy seeds away, leaving skinny plumes of bare threads. Admire them at Tui Terrace, or in the vicinity of the Weka Fence on Lake Road.
 |
| Rengarenga seed capsules |
Rengarenga / Renga Lily / Rock Lily (Arthropodium cirratum). These have sprays of green seed capsules swathed in tissue-like wrappings that are the remains of former flower petals. In hot sunny sites the capsules acquire a reddish or purplish tinge that may be a protection against sunburn. Look for them around the car park area and bordering the path to Alison Morton’s memorial.
 |
| Piripiri seeds |
Piripiri / Bidibidi (Acaena anserinifolia). Watch out for your socks when walking the track that runs along inside the boundary fence. Piripiri seeds are avid hitchhikers and they like to travel in groups!
Panakenake (Pratia angulata). Ripe purplish-red berries are scattered among the white flowers of this prostrate groundcover growing around the borders of Tui Terrace. I have yet to see a bird eating them. I wonder if any of the recently arrived tuatara will be interested? (see photo above)
Glossary
Dioecious: male and female flowers are borne on separate plants and consequently only the female plants bear fruit. New Zealand has a relatively high number of plant species that are dioecious. Hence the occasional distinctions made between males and females in the lists that follow.
Calyx: the outer whorl of sepals that surround a flower, protecting it when in bud.
sp.: an abbreviation of species. It is sometimes used as part of a scientific name. Its use with a name like Cortaderia indicates that I am uncertain which of two or more possible species of Cortaderia these plants are.
Umbel: the stems of the flowers or fruits radiate out from a common centre.
All photographs in this edition, except where indicated, taken by Allison Buchan and © Karori Wildlife Sanctuary.
Clicking on photos with blue borders will take you to a larger photo.
Published 30 January 2006.