1999/01/01 by C. J. Burrows, Burrows, Colin J., Hugh D. Wilson +3
Social Sciences · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Pacific and Southeast Asian Studies #Botany, Ecology, and Taxonomy Studies #Ecology and Conservation Studies
paper · pdf · doi:10.26021/355
The plant species present on Otamahua/Quai l Island 1976-1999 are grouped according to origin, specifically identifying indigenous and introduced taxa. The known vascular plant flora for this period consists of 357 species. Taxa believed to be descended from ancestors truly indigenous to the island include 7 tree species, 18 shrubs, 7 vines, 28 monocotyledon and 49 dicotyledon herbs, and 12 ferns. Additional indigenous taxa from the Banks Peninsula region, planted on the island up to the beginning of 1998, include 8 tree species, 3 shrubs and 1 large monocotyledon herb. A further 10 tree, 2 shrub, and 4 vine indigenous species of Banks Peninsula provenance were planted during 1998 and 1999. Planted taxa indigenous to New Zealand, but not to Banks Peninsula, include 4 small trees and 1 shrub. Among the taxa foreign to the New Zealand flora that have been planted on the island, or that have otherwise immigrated accidentally through human agency, or by natural means, are 29 tree species, 19 shrubs, 3 vines, 46 monocotyledon herbs (mostly grasses), 120 dicotyledon herbs and 2 ferns. Localities, habitats and relative abundance are noted for each species. There appear to have been losses of some species since 1976 (some through deliberate removal). Recent gains of some introduced species apparently have occurred by natural means. The main kinds of terrestrial vegetation, based on physiognomic/ floristic criteria, are: grassland, fernland, shrubland, treeland and open communities of cliff faces, rock outcrops, talus and beaches. Wetland vegetation is sparse, but distinctive.