Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
succulent flora
of rangitoto island
followed by
whakaari - the white island
ISSN 2285 3987
February
S5
2015
E
Part 1. Rangitoto Island duart is a cacti,
succulents and
I. Introduction xerophytes en-
thusiast born
II. A brief natural history in Romania. He dis-
11 Early accounts on vegetation status covered the world of
14 Vegetation colonization the cacti only at the
15 The biggest early threats age of 40, but this was
19 20th century massive human interference to become in short
24 Shipwrecks time his main area of
25 Establishing wild life interest. He moved to
New Zealand 12 years
III. Vegetation patterns ago, which allowed
29 The succulent haven: the coastal strip him a different ap-
38 A rich additional herbal flora proach and better un-
43 Eco-climatic characteristics derstanding of nature
and ultimately contributed to the diversification of areas of
IV. Species walkthrough interest: plant naturalization (especially of succulent plants),
47 Aizoaceae vegetation successions and ecology of coastal habitats. He
53 Amaranthaceae joined cactusi.com in 2004, and is also member of Cactus and
55 Araceae Succulent Society of NZ since 2006 and of International Cras-
57 Asparagaceae sulaceae Network since 2008.
61 Asteraceae
62 Balsaminaceae
63 Brassicaceae
64 Cactaceae
65 Commelinaceae VI. Notable absences
66 Crassulaceae
99 Euphorbiaceae VII. Conclusions
100 Geraniaceae
104 Orchidaceae
105 Piperaceae
106 Xanthorrhoeaceae Part 2. Whakaari
V. Some other very interesting species White Island 143
Founders: Eduart Zimer Dag Panco Valentin Posea Grafic layout based on Andrea Cattabriga's pattern.
Editor: Eduart Zimer Editorial team's e-Mail: xerophilia@xerophilia.ro.
Editorial team: Eduart Zimer - EN edition Valentin Posea - RO edition Pedro
Njera Quezada - SP edition & Field researches Dag Panco - PR & Graphic All rights reserved no part of this publication may be reproduced in any forms or
Miguel Angel Gonzlez Botello - Cartography. by any means, without written permission of the Editor. All copyrighted photographs
Supporter: Mihai Crisbanu have been used under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
Cover 1 Cover4
Calystegia soldanella at Boulder Bay. Rangitoto Island seen from Milford Beach.
T
he young volcanic island of Rangitoto
is always a very interesting subject for
nature lovers in search of unique habitats
and, as far as I am concerned, it presents
a particular interest for its rich succulent flora
as well. Being close to New Zealands major
urban centre, Auckland, and therefore easily
accessible, Rangitoto was even more prone to
become the subject of many studies, articles
and monographs. However, except for W.R.
Sykes monographic article (Sykes, 1992) little
has been written specifically on the islands
succulent flora. Being a cactus and succulent
enthusiast myself and because since 2006 I was
first charmed by and then became passionate
summary
Although primarily focusing on the exotic counter-arguments or if these errors have been
succulent flora I will not circumvent the few native repeatedly mentioned and became public
species. Odd enough, although a welcoming land knowledge so to speak, however, trying to clarify
for exotic succulents from all over the world, their status.
New Zealand native flora does not include many Anyway, all species documented at any point
succulents, probably due to the troubled climatic in time will be on my list even if not encountered
past. In fact especially the coastal habitats lack anymore in later years; however, this does not
native succulent species and are very exposed to mean they are still extant. And finally fourth, in the
the invasion of more dynamic exotic species. absence of a clear definition of succulence (which
Im not willing to debate now), I have possibly
Documented species excluded, both intentionally and unintentionally,
However, it is impossible for me to produce a various technically succulent or, worst case,
comprehensive list of extant species, for several sub-succulent species of the rather grey area,
reasons. First, as it already happened with few focusing instead on species generally "considered"
non-succulent invasive plants, some trouble succulent by plant lovers.
makers (might) have been already eradicated Mainly geophytes are not that well represented
by the Department of Conservation (DOC) one in my account. Similar to W.R. Sykes, I have myself
good example is Tradescantia fluminensis, reported interpreted the word succulent fairly loosely and
as eradicated few years ago. Secondly, other included maybe a few plants which could be best
summary
plants could already become, in time, naturally described as semi-succulent while omitting other,
extinct this could be the case with Echeveria such as some geophytes as mentioned above. But
Set-Oliver. Third, some earlier records include it comes down I guess to whats ones definition of
misidentifications (e.g. Aeonium arboreum). I will succulent plant is, where this starts and where
therefore largely exclude obvious errors, but still does it end I have saved this debate for later.
mention few dubious records if no convincing
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The narrow channel between Motutapu (in the backgrund) and Rangitoto at high tide.
Note the composite exotic vegetation of the shore, dominated here by Agapanthus.
Above: Motuihe Island seen from near Rangitoto summmit. Note the diversity of the
canopy, nowhere else to be seen in New Zealand.
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II. a brief natural
summary
history of rangitoto
Part 1. - II. A brief natural
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summary
R
angitoto Island is one of the many Although they inhabited only the neighbouring
monogenetic volcanoes of the Auckland Motutapu Island, temporary operations were
volcanic field, rising to 260 m above sea carried out on Rangitoto as well.
level and having a surface of roughly 2,800 There is an amount of uncertainty in regards
hectares. The name Rangitoto originates from a to the timeframe of the main volcanic eruption,
phrase: Nga Rangi-e-toto-ia-a-Tamate Kapua, although it is almost sure that the early 1300s
meaning the days that Tamate Kapua bled, have witnessed if not the emerging of Rangitoto
shortened in time to Rangitoto. The incident from the sea, than definitely a sustained volcanic
refers to a fight between two Maori iwi leaders, activity on the island, including lava flows and ash
Tamate Kapua and Hoturoa, the commanders of emissions.
the Arawa and Tainui canoes respectively, when There is a split opinion on this, some geologists
Tamate Kapua was severely injured. maintain that for the bulk of the lava flows
This is probably the original meaning as it has shaping the island as we know today it took only
a solid linguistic support. A derivative meaning, 20 years, other extend this period to over 200
however, strongly coined over the time is blood years. Clarkson (1990) maintains that the volcano
red sky (the name Tamate Kapua means literally appears to have been active between 850 AD and
killed clouds), which suggests that the Maori 1800 AD with a maximum lava flow activity around
settled on the neighbouring Motutapu Island 1300 AD. Eruptions have not occurred past 1500
summary
would have witnessed major eruptive events. AD, but initial lava flows were followed by ash
Although etymologically wrong, it is factually emissions which filled most of the crevices and
probably correct: footprints covered by volcanic shallow hollows. Some other accounts place the
ash have been discovered on Rangitoto. The Maori peak of the volcanic activity a bit earlier, before
must have witnessed, at least at some stage, major 1250 AD or even before 1200 SD. The summit was
volcanic activities on the island. measured at 259 metres above sea level.
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Typical Rangitoto vegetation pattern: large barren lava fields surronded by abrupt vegetation thickets.
Above: In most cases there is no transition between the established Metrosideros, the rich sub-canopy and
ground vegetation and the barren lava fields. In this picture you can clearly see the colonizing lichen patches.
Below: Later A very young pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) growing with no support on the lava fields.
Light bush and grassland at Wreck Bay Light young forest on the path to Wreck Bay with
"reminding of the richness of tropical vegetation". an extremely interesting diversifying under canopy
According to some accounts it was pretty much the vegetation.
same 150 years ago.
could have started earlier than 400 500 years accurate and are somehow confirmed by the
ago, despite the possible marginal volcanic activity detailed journal entries of Rev. Henry Williams
in the cone area. On the shores, in more sheltered who just very few years later, in 1833, camped on
pockets, vascular plant colonization may have Motutapu and made two trips to Rangitoto.
started as early as 1400s. His account suggests that the vegetation on
One of the earliest accounts is that of the French Rangitoto was certainly less developed than today;
traveller Jules Dumont DUrville, who noted in 1827 however, bushes and shrubs appear to cover
that Rangitoto looked well-wooded if compared the whole island (Julian, 1992).1886 accounts
with the mainland (and dont forget that Rangitoto published in periodicals of the time extensively
used to be a somewhat active volcano until few quoted by Butler (2001) mention shrubs growing
decades earlier). DUrville has sailed down the luxuriantly and flowering pohutukawa trees
summary
Rangitoto channel observing the north-eastern which remind one of the richness of the tropical
coast of Rangitoto Island which even today is less vegetation, () shrubs and some forest trees
vegetated than the rest this would suggest that grow and flourish over two thirds of the surface
the vegetation of Rangitoto wasnt too different the roots penetrating the crevices of the scoria
from what it is today (Julian, 1992). and finding probably far down the decomposed
DUrvilles impressions may have been very washings of the rock.
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in much the same form as today and the belief basaltic lava fields making up more than 80% of
that Rangitoto was almost completely bare of the total surface, and described as well-wooded
vegetation from as late as the latter part of the by DUrville four decades earlier. Inopportunely,
19th century is nothing but popular tradition these two visual accounts had a huge impact, as
(Julian, 1992). To this myth may have contributed it happens with visual media, endorsing the less
another ink and watercolour painting by Charles probable theory.
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Erica lusirtanica
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island) - Erica lusitanica (Ericaceae) and Hypericum up its maximal momentum only shortly after
androsaemum (Hypericaceae) introduced in 1915 the volcanic activity on Rangitoto has completely
by the ambitious botanical project driven by Mr. ceased (and this could have been close to the
Leary and Mr. Wilson. Their rapid but relatively turn of the 19th century) and therefore didnt
localized dispersal would have been embarked on have the time and the opportunity to produce old
less vegetated grounds I think and would have had vegetation relics able to certify a considerable age.
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Tricosurus vulpecula - photo by The Brisbane City Mustela erminea - photo by Steve
Council, ex Wikipedia. Hillebrand, ex Wikipedia.
The biggest early threats: (Dama dama) was introduced on Motutapu in 1862
browsing mammals and wallabies by Robert Graham (who owned the island at that
Until the mid-1800s Rangitoto was virtually time) and reportedly some of the animals moved
an untouched habitat. A certain pressure on across to Rangitoto on low tide.
habitats existed since the early years of European A different kind of damage was made by the ship
settlements, caused by the introduction of alien rat (Rattus rattus), Norwegian rat (Rattus norvegicus),
plants or brutal transformation of natural habitats common house mouse (Mus musculus), feral cat
in farmlands or pastures but this wasnt the (Felis cattus) and rabbit (Oryctolagus cuninculus)
case with Rangitoto. In early years the biggest which were all still present in the early 1990s
threat came from the mammals established on (Miller et al, 1994); especially the rats were a real
Rangitoto, mainly possums (Tricosurus vulpecula) threat for the very few birds nesting on the ground.
released on the neighbouring Motutapu Island On one hand the vegetation on Rangitoto couldnt
in 1868 by Sir George Grey and the brush tailed support large numbers of birds, on the other hand
rock wallabies (Petrogale penicillata), animals their eggs were eaten especially by rats so that
present in significant numbers at some stage, now larger populations couldnt establish anyway. In
eradicated - which used to perturb the vegetation the 1980s the wallabies population was estimated
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development by destroying the young shoots at 2,000 animals (Wilcox, 2007), but they were in
(Julian, 1992). Very fortunately goats (the worst poor condition and did not breed very prolifically
animal pest especially on islands) were not present due to the harsh, arid conditions. However, this
very probably due to the fact that vegetation population was large enough to produce damage
density and patterns could not sustain grazing to new growth of Metrosideros excelsa and
animals and were not introduced, but fallow deer Coprosma lucida, their preferred food source.
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Rangitoto Island seen from Devonport
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and dont forget the humans! in 1897, the southern wharf and walking tracks
However, the biggest pressure came (as usually) were opened to the public and Rangitoto became
directly from humans. Even if the neighbouring a popular picnic destination for Aucklanders. This
Motutapu Island was inhabited since 1840, there brought a new problem for the Devonport Borough
was little to no impact on Rangitotos vegetation Council (DBC), the administrator of the island, and
development (except for the mammals already this was fire and vandalism that has increased in
mentioned above) and no significant vegetation a short period of time. Financially the DBC wasnt
exchange took place between the two islands, fit enough to support payments for caretakers
but after 1872 things have changed. The first or guardians, not to speak of the development
significant human activity on Rangitoto started and maintenance costs. In order to overcome
with considerable quarrying that took place on these problems the DBC has leased parts of the
several sites, the operations being owned by foreshore, especially on the southern and eastern
private individuals or by the government, but also coast, as campsites with permission to erect
by the Auckland Harbour Board. holiday homes the famous baches of Rangitoto.
The impact on the environment was direct and Although most of them were not permanently
unstoppable. Julian (1992) states: Stone was inhabited, it is throughout possible that up to
removed for harbour works, tramways, drainage, 50 people have lived permanently on the island,
and construction work from extensive quarry some of them acting as caretakers and, however,
sites, mostly on the eastern side of the island near contributing to a vivid lifestyle on Rangitoto. Of
Islington Bay. This quarrying ceased in 1929 and course, during holidays and on weekends many
summary
was not resumed (Cottrell, 1984). The quarrying more people were visiting the island.
resulted in considerable alteration in the rock As a result of this increasingly popular holiday
surface which, in turn, has resulted in different destination between 1911 and 1937 a number
patterns of vegetation in these areas. of 121 baches were built on Rangitoto. Private
This was just the beginning. In 1890 the island dwellings established on public land, leading later
became a recreation reserve and shortly after that, on to legal disputes.
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Young forest at Wilsons Park
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the relocation and dispersal of weeds on the road There are obviously three sources of alien plants
sides and also of browsing mammals, the smooth on Rangitoto deliberate introduction, garden
surface of the roads being (in contrast with the escapes and natural dispersal from adjacent sites
rough surface of the open lava fields) easier to use (mainly Aucklands Devonport and Motutapu),
for long range movements (Julian, 1992). however, the latter being the less important
The last chapter of massive human interference dispersal mean, at least in later years.
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Inside a WW2 bunker near the summit. Vlad at a private landing near Islington Bay.
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The white painted landbrigde between Rangitoto (on the left left) and Motutapu was built for defense logistic purposes,
but actually only facilitated species exchange between the two islands. This is the narrowest point (less than 20 metres)
of the separating channel.
Below: A heaven for vintage booze bottles collectors
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Modern artefact near bach 15
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Stairway to Heaven
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Wreck Bay today - Only few pieces from the wreckage can be seen today, however, small artefacts are
still easy to find on the shore or in shallow waters.
Below left: Wreck Bay 1940s.
Below right: My son Vlad with remains of a mosaic - possibly from the sauna of a coastliner.
resource for the island's handful of bach owners, areas where succulent flora my main target on
who descended on the hulks and stripped them the island is widely present.
of fittings and timber to incorporate into their Being an attraction for many people, in time
holiday homes. (RIHCT). several adventives species have been established
Some of the underwater structures serve as here, originating from seed transported possibly
scuba diving attraction and it is said to have by equipment or on the visitors shoes.
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Establishing wild life
However, in wildlife seems establish and
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Sterna striata - White-fronted tern - at Rangitoto Vanellus miles novaehollandiae, here near Takapuna.
wharf.
Pied shag, Phalacrocorax varius, near the Controlled Variable oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor) in the
Mine Base early morning hours at Rangitoto wharf.
Black backed gulls, Larus dominicanus, along the Tree weta, Hemideina sp., here in Mt. Wellington,
Coastal Track Auckland
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III. vegetation patterns
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and characteristics
of the habitat
Metrosideros excelsa.
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R
angitoto has an almost perfect symmetrical by lichens if any, with a transitional strip of 50
profile no matter from which direction you 200 cm only.
are looking at the island, with gentle slopes The interior of the island is slowly developing
and extended lava fields of rough texture, into a light bush dominated by Metrosideros trees
consisting of basalt and scoria, in most of the cases (Myrtaceae), especially by Metrosideros excelsa,
very difficult and dangerous to walk on without the famous native pohutukawa, one of New Zea-
proper shoes if you deviate from the path. lands iconic plants, and Metrosideros robusta (Ju-
During sunny days the bare rocks get incredibly lian, 1992; Wotherspoon, 2002), intermingling with
hot; this fact combined with the scarcity of available other shrubs and trees all the way up to the 259 m
moisture (there are no fresh water sources and no high summit.
ground water available on the island) make it easy A hybrid swarm of the two, described as Met-
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to understand how hostile this habitat originally rosideros sub-tomentosa Carse, was noticed but
was, and still is. It is very interesting to see that it is thought that it is progressively backcrossing
the vegetation colonization occurs in very distinct to Metrosideros excelsa (Julian, 1992). Several ad-
steps with almost no transition at all. Relatively ditions both endemic and introduced plants
densely vegetated areas are abruptly terminated complete the characteristic vegetation range of
and continued into bare lava fields populated just Rangitoto, complex, composite and unique.
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The succulent haven: the coastal strip come down to the water line there, is a strip with
The light bush extends, with few interruptions somewhat less competition allowing many succu-
and bare lava fields, from the summit crater to lent plants to establish. Large tussocks halophyte
the coast. However, there is no place here for grasses, swarms of Agapanthus praecox ssp. orien-
succulent plants, the only one I have seen trying to talis (Amaryllidaceae), and in some salt marsh like
escape from the shore and finding its way to the areas Avicennia resinifera (Acanthaceae), the wood-
inland was in a certain extent Crassula multicava en mangrove, seem to be the only worthwhile
(Crassulaceae) a real pest here, but even for this competition. There are obviously three sources
plant I wouldnt say that it actually inhabits sites of alien plants on Rangitoto deliberate introduc-
situated too far from the sea. All other succulent tion, garden escapes and natural dispersal from
summary
plants are restricted mainly to a 10 50 m wide adjacent sites, mainly Aucklands Devonport and
coastal strip, excepting several pockets especially Motutapu Island, however, the latter being the less
in the southern parts of the island. important dispersal mean. Most succulent species
The coastal areas are quite different, with marine are garden relicts or have spread from abandoned
exposure and this means first of all more humid gardens of the former settlements, especially on
and salt laden air. As the bush does not usually the eastern and southern coasts.
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very compact, nor continuous, there is ac- borea (Coriariaceae), Pseudopanax arboreus
tually a collection of micro-environments, (Araliaceae), Griselinia lucida (Griseliniaceae),
sometimes with very distinctive features, al- Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa tree, Proteaceae),
lowing other broadleaf species to establish, Leptecophylla juniperina (Ericaceae) and few
which deepens local characteristics, for ex- others, including a variety of ferns, mosses
ample dense groundcover patches of Kidney and lichens.
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Asplenium oblongifolium.
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Coriaria arborea.
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2. The vegetation of the scoria cones is domi-
nated by kanuka, Kunzea ericoides (Myrta-
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Olearia furfuracea.
Below: Rangitoto main crater seen from the sea.
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Vegetation Patterns
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3. The vegetation of the shores. The typical veg- bushes to trees. Fortunately most of them
etation consists, depending also on the shore are confined to this area and have not ad-
characteristics, of various halophytes, which vanced to the inner parts of the island, with
also occur locally forming from dense iso- the exception of path and road sides. How-
lated mounds to large patches covering the ever, this is by far the most composite veg-
salt marsh area. This is a very friendly strip etation type of the island, and unfortunately
summary
for plants with halophytic and or xerophytic prone to be occupied by aggressive coloniz-
adaptations, including all succulents treated ers such as Ulex europaeus (gorse, Fabaceae),
here. As the human settlements were at or possibly the worst pest in New Zealand. It
in the proximity of the shores there is also a didnt happen here yet, except few patches
high incidence of garden escapes, from gar- only, but it happened elsewhere in similar
den flowers to succulent plants, and from situations.
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At Gardiners Gap.
Below: Ulex europaeus - local infestation along the
Islington Bay Road.
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ssp. maritimus (Asteraceae), Centaurium erythraea like to make two comments here: while most herbs
(Gentianaceae), Thelymitra longifolia (Orchidaceae), come from Europe, Middle East or North Africa,
Iris x germanica var. florentina (Iridaceae), the most succulents originate from Southern Africa
non-succulent Euphorbia peplus (Euphorbiaceae), and Mexico; in regards to the introduction the first
Antirrhinum majus (Plantaginaceae), Myosotis are usually pastoral introductions, while the latter
sylvatica (Boraginaceae), Geranium purpureum are mostly horticultural escapes.
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Osteospermum fruticosum.
Muehlenbeckia complexa.
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every now and then the area it may become even which otherwise would have had lower chances
after a heavy rainfall bone-dry in a matter of days. to become locally dominant. This explains for in-
Apart from this, characteristic for the island is stance why kanuka, Kunzea ericoides, and manuka,
the absence of ground water and the multitude of Leptospermum scoparium, are very widespread on
eco-climatic niches scattered all over the island. As the eastern slopes and far less common on the
a result, even if only few species form the domi- rest of the island.
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IV. species walkthrough
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A
fter such extended passages on the natural to the presence of those species on the island will
history of Rangitoto, on its habitats and be acknowledged, as well as references from other
on the other flora, its about time to dive authors. Some of these species (if not most) have
into the core of this paper: the succulent been seen by me on Rangitoto and where neces-
flora! My declared intention is only to provide sary additional personal remarks have been add-
minimal information on the succulent plant ed. Focus was on providing a (hopefully) complete
species recorded on Rangitoto, without going into list of succulent species (with the limitations stated
botanical details you can find them elsewhere in the beginning of this paper) and understanding
anyway, I will prefer to stick to my objective: of the habitat, its dynamics and environmental is-
to provide an updated list of species with the sues.
smallest amount of additional information. After And, finally, I tried to include well balanced pho-
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all, most of them are well known old fashioned tographic illustrations helpful especially for peo-
garden plants, or not that rare indigenous species, ple wanting to see this magnificent piece of nature
and therefore presenting no particular interest for with their own eyes. Plants will be grouped by fam-
the contemporary C&S enthusiast. ilies, and within families in alphabetical order, for
Im not trying to lecture or bore to death any po- the ease of reading and retrieving of some refer-
tential readers. However, particularities in regards ences. And here we go
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Carpobrotus edulis (L.) L. Bolus is a common and larger sandy beaches, there are many more
New Zealand naturalized plant and it reached patches of well-established Carpobrotus edulis
Rangitoto as well, probably being cultivated at first growing mostly near high tide mark, in one place
by the early European settlers. Apparently only almost next to its natural hybrid Carpophyma
the yellow flowering form is present on the island. mutabilis G.D. Rowley (see below Disphyma
Few lose patches in Yankee Wharf and near the australe).
causeway to the neighbouring Motutapu Island. At Carpobrotus edulis comes from South Africa,
Yankee Wharf it grows directly on the lava slabs growing on coastal and inland slopes and dunes
summary
(not exactly the ideal substrate for this plant) and from Namaqualand in the Northern Cape through
Aizoaceae
stems seem to die off quite young (maybe as a the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape, where it
result of the overheating basaltic substrate?) only is often seen as a pioneer in disturbed sites, not
to generate new shoots later on. On the contrary different from New Zealand. Highly invasive in
near Motutapu sandy soil patches are available. other parts of the world such as the Mediterranean
On Motutapu, having typically a finer sandy soil region, California, etc.
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summary
Disphyma australe (W.T. Aiton) N.E. Br. ssp. ral hybrid with Carpobrotus edulis, Carpophyma
australe. The traditional vernacular name is mutabilis on Motutapu, on a sandy beach close to
Horokaka. Sykes (1992) does not provide many Gardiner Gap. This hybrid is sterile (doesnt form
details on this species: Represented by a single fruit), but still manages to backcross with D. aus-
specimen from Rangitoto. Although collected trale endangering therefore the genetic bank of
many years ago it probably still occurs there. our endemic ice plant. A final remark while the
Collection date is 1920 (probably around Rangitoto Motutapu hybrid has pale pinkish flowers, sug-
wharf, although no location indicated). However, in gesting that the pink flowering form of D. australe
Wilcox (2007) more information is provided (can was involved, the picture provided in Wilcox (2007)
summary
often be seen on shell banks adjoining the Coastal is definitely of the white flowering form, raising few
Aizoaceae
Track) including a picture of a white flowering question marks. Disphyma australe ssp. australe is
form dated 2005, from the southern shore. I have endemic to New Zealand and Chatham Islands.
to admit I havent seen it in Rangitoto and no other G.F. Glen lumped in the 1980s all known Disphy-
information seems to be available. ma taxons into Disphyma crassifolium (see Zimer
However, in September 2012 I found its natu- 2012a) which in my opinion is highly questionable.
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summary
Aizoaceae
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summary
Zealand.
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summary
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summary
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Alocasia brisbanensis (Bailey) Domin (= Alocasia
macrorrhizos (L.) G. Don var. brisbanensis F.M.
summary
Araceae
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summary
Agave americana L. the original Century plant, as it was and still is one of the most common and
thought to flower once in 100 years - is present loved succulent plant in New Zealand gardens, be-
almost everywhere near former settlements on ing tough as old boots and with little to no need
Rangitoto, at Gardiners Gap, near the baches of maintenance. By removing the old flower sized
around Islington wharf, Yankee Wharf, on the trail plants the problem hasnt been solved. Deep down
to the Controlled Mine Base, and almost the en- in crevices and fissures of the lava slabs there are
tire southern coast however, DOC makes a big myriads of rhizomes carrying on and emerging
summary
point in thoroughly controlling this species. All ma- again and again as new plants. An almost impos-
ture specimens have been removed, sometimes in sible task and on the long term an expensive ex-
a disputable manner, for at least 15 years there ercise. The Agave plants thrive on Rangitoto a
were no more flowering specimens seen here. perfect substrate and acceptable climate - and are
However, not seed dispersal is the problem. A. possibly in their many hundreds, including all the
americana was intensively planted on the island small suckers.
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summary
Initially I was trying to study the development gos, Fiji, French Polynesia Islands, Tahiti, and many
of the few more or less densely populated colo- others, usually not putting pressure on native
nies, but soon I realized this was pointless as every habitats, but on occasion becoming aggressive in-
year most of the bigger plants were checked by vaders as it happened in Palau, Ogasawara Is- Asparagaceae - subfam. Agavoideae
DOC. The specimens on Rangitoto are also quite lands (Japan), or New Caledonia. Extremely hard
different from most of the plants you can see in to control, not because of the many thousands of
contemporary Auckland gardens mainly slender seeds scattered by a flowering plant, but because
specimens or variegated forms of relatively recent the rhizomes spreading through the cracks, gaps
horticultural origins; as there is a presence of Aga- and crevices of the lava fields virtually impossi-
ve americana in Hauraki Gulf and Great Auckland ble to eradicate if you have to deal with hundreds
area of over 140 years we possibly deal here with of plants at a time. Larger specimens are removed
original, unaltered stock. or literally butchered at site, for at least 15 years
However, there are only few varieties, forms or no A. americana has reached flowering age on Ran-
cultivars that have spread in cultivation and even- gitoto.
tually have been naturalized worldwide, this com- Agave americana L. Variegata is mentioned
plex is far more intricate. by Sykes (1992) as forming occasionally large
summary
A. americana comes from sub-tropical to warm- clumps growing as relicts of cultivation which
temperate regions of Mexico and has managed to I havent seen and possibly have been already
escape from cultivation in many regions of Medi- wiped out. There are several variegated forms,
terranean Europe, South Africa, Australia, New but by far A. americana Marginata is the most
Zealand and many Pacific Islands such as Lord common in cultivation in New Zealand and very
Howe Island, Pagan Island, Cook Islands, Galpa- probably this was seen by W.R. Sykes.
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Yucca gloriosa var. tristis Carrire (mostly re-
ferred as Yucca recurvifolia Salisb. or Yucca glo-
summary
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summary
Ornithogalum caudatum (Aiton) Maire is men- This is a bulbous plant growing surprisingly well
tioned in Wilcox (2007) as O. longibracteatum Jac- on the lava fields you would expect it rather to
quin (sometimes spelled O. longebracteatum thrive in deeper and more porous substrate.. I
which is wrong). In later years it was reclassi- have seen dozens of mature plants, some with the
fied as Albuca bracteata (Thunb.) J. C. Manning & bulb nearly 8 cm across (it can reach up to 10-12
Goldblatt, which seems to be the currently ac- cm), near the track between Yankee Wharf and the
cepted name, although less in use by amateurs. Controlled Mine Base.
O. caudatum is a classic cryptophytic succulent
(with bulb-like layered succulent stem) having
strap like slightly succulent strap like leaves which
can reach up to 80-100 cm length. Characteristic
for this species are the small bulbils growing from
the main bulb which can start a new plant when
detached, rooting readily and starting to grow
when moisture available. It seems to work well
for this species in Rangitoto, as many tiny plants
could be seen around the larger mother-plants. In
my experience it is a bit more difficult and slow to
grow from seed, planting bulbils is like a game...
Senecio angulatus L.f. There are at least 13 Sene- it grows preferably on dry coastal situations it
cio species confirmed on the island (Wilcox, 2007), seems that Rangitoto is a bit too much of an ask
some adventive, most of them native, but only S. and this species needs a bit of constant moisture
angulatus (common name Cape ivy) can be con- supply throughout the year and does not very well
sidered a succulent plant, having succulent stems on hot basaltic lava slabs, with little to no organic
and semi-succulent leaves from juvenile to adult accumulations. In other locations observed by me
status. (especially Napier) S. angulatus is able to form lush
summary
Asteraceae
Sykes (1992) mentions only few patches at Is- stands, smothering various plants and even tough
lington, around old baches, struggling to spread invasive species such as Opuntia monacantha.
vegetatively. It may not form viable seed as no Senecio species are self-pollinating and propagate
seedlings or young plants were seen. easily by seed dispersal by wind so Sykes state-
I have seen only few decrepit plants I thought ment has to be put into perspective. Senecio angu-
were not really worth photographing. Although latus comes from South Africa.
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summary
Impatiens walleriana
Hook f. (left) is a similar
species, only with less
succulent stems (if this
is relevant for this pa-
per).
It is native to East Af-
rica, from Kenia to Mo-
zambique.
Balsaminaceae
summary
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summary
Cakile maritima Scop. ssp. maritima is a moder- occurs with the help of sea waves and currents. It
ate halophyte shrubby annual plant with succulent is a typical beach and sand dune species; this is ac-
stems and leaves. Fruits are ripening in summer tually the only suitable habitat type. Rangitoto of-
Brassicaceae
and seeds germinate in winter, when most of the fers only one adequate spot, Whites Beach, where
summary
parent plants are dead by now. This species typi- C. maritima occurs, along with other characteristic
cally has an asynchronous germination, forming sea shore species. It comes from Europe, but be-
a seed bank lasting for several years (over three came adventive in several parts of the world, and
years from the same seed batch) assuring propa- even a noxious weed in North America, on both
gation even in adverse conditions. Seeds are dis- coasts. Several varieties and species have natural-
persed locally by wind while long range dispersal ly a mostly northern hemisphere distribution.
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summary
Opuntia monacantha (Willd.) Haw. The only ac- Africa, to South Africa, southeast Asia, Australia,
count on the presence of this species on the is- New Zealand and some of the Pacific Islands, and
land is Natural History of Rangitoto Island (Wilcox, I think there must be some other places too. The
2007) where it is merely listed in the species sum- worst infestations have occurred in Australia and
mary (on page 109), and not even in the index. I South Africa. It is also worthwhile mentioning that
have no other source, and I dont know based on Opuntia monacantha was first recorded in China as
what account has been included here. I havent early as 1625. Opuntia monacantha is probably the
seen it on the island, nor is it mentioned in Sykes most common opuntioid in cultivation in New Zea-
(1992). However, I am pretty sure that at some land, everyone seem to know it, have seen or had
stage this species must have been planted here, one, and so on. There is nothing special about this
maybe in Wilsons Park, the intended botanical plant, widespread and almost a pest even in its
garden, or possibly near baches, as it used to be a own habitat. It is actually a poorly studied complex
summary
common cactus in the gardens of the early to mid- of plants ranging from multi-branched shrubs to
Cactaceae
Commelinaceae
Photo & detail: Tradescantia fluminensis, here a severe infestation
at Eastern Beach.
Above Left: Tradescantia cerinthoides, flowers - photo Isabella C..
Above right: Tradescantia fluminensis, flowers.
the more common and invasive Trandescantia flu- patches, causing severe infestations in only few
minensis by its colourful flowers. Sykes (1992) is years if unchecked.
summary
mentioning it from Islington. One small patch in A real concern where is sets foot. It is resistant to
a lava crevice on the margin of scrub near an old chemical control being helped by the glossy leaves
house site. () Tradescantia cerinthoides has usu- and smooth stems. It also regenerates form the
ally been treated as T. blossfeldiana Mildbr. in New smallest stem fragment left behind. Dark green
Zealand and elsewhere. This is apparently the first leaves, white flowers. This species comes also
report of it being adventive here. It comes from from South America.
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Crassulaceae
This plant family includes several succulent spe-
cies very well represented in Rangitoto. As a mat-
ter of fact, it is the biggest group, not only judging
by the number of species, but also by the impact
on the local flora.
Theres no better place to start, but with the most
confusing plant group: various Aeonium spp. & Ae-
onium hybrids (Macaronesia). The botanical litera-
ture mostly refers true species, but as we speak
there are very little specimens on the island which
could pass as the true species. Huge amounts of
hybrid swarms are everywhere; as a matter of fact
it becomes very difficult to draw a line as there is
a continuum of forms. However, botanists named
certain species in their works, and therefore I have
Crassulaceae - gen. Aeonium
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Aeonium x floribundum A. Berger. (A. caespitosum of A. caespitosum], so any later hybrid cannot use
x A. spathulatum) Sykes (1992) mentions three col- that name.
Crassulaceae - gen. Aeonium
lections made between 1987 and 1991 in Islington, Personally I find Aeonium x barbatum visually quite
on Rangitotos eastern coast. Fact is that 20 odd different from Aeonium x floribundum and, more,
years later I have not seen this plant in Islington, even if the name Aeonium x hybridum might have
but in several occasions and in different sites in precedence I prefer not to use it, but use instead
the southern parts of Rangitoto, west of Rangi- the name referred in New Zealand botanical lit-
toto wharf, not intermingling with other Aeonium erature. The main reason is that, even if purely
species. Rather less common in fact than other from botanical point of view they might be all
Aeonium species. Synonym is Aeonium x hybridum the same; these are all hybrid entities possibly
summary
(Haw.) G.D. Rowley, although Im not very sure it is spontaneous or maybe selected, however, usually
the same plant. Some throw also Aeonium x bar- specimens we know are at the end of a long and
batum in the mix. According to International Cras- separate more likely clonal than sexual propaga-
sulaceae Network the name Aeonium x barbatum tion line. We are talking about distinct cultivated
for this hybrid is not correct because A. barbatum products, even if they all might share the same
is considered a synonym of A. simsii [a synonym parentage.
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summary
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Aeonium undulatum Webb &
Berth. Few isolated plants were
summary
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summary
Aeonium undulatum x A. haworthii, in high summer, Aeonium undulatum x A. haworthii, in high summer,
from the Islington Bay colony. from the Islington Bay colony.
Most of the plants are definitely hybrids, most Another interesting aspect is revealed by Sykes
of them apparently A. undulatum x A. haworthii (1992) in his comment on A. undulatum: One plant
having a more or less transitional aspect. This hy- from Rangitoto part of which was grown to flow-
brid seems to be very abundant, especially along ering at Auckland University has whitish or cream
the coastal track between Islington Bay wharf flowers instead of the usual golden ones of this
and Yankee Wharf. From the many forms I have species. This could have been the plant I named
seen and collected in 2008 there is a plant later Aeonium Rangitoto as lush growth in moist and
Crassulaceae - gen. Aeonium
described as Aeonium Rangitoto E. Zimer (Zimer, shaded situations can resemble A. undulatum in-
2010b; Zimer, 2012), which I first thought it could deed. However, its flowers are pretty much A. ha-
be the above mentioned hybrid backcrossed to A. worthii like and this is exactly what W.R. Sykes
haworthii. noticed.
However, in time, cultivated F2 and F3 genera- In late 2008 or very early 2009 DOC has cleared
tions proved to become more and more similar to most of the larger Aeonium plants in Islington and
Aeonium Rangitoto to the point that the difference Yankee Wharf. Since then the Aeonium populations
becomes very difficult to recognize (and therefore have regenerated mostly from seedlings and got to
summary
I had to tag all my plants). In contrast to the theory flowering size in time. However, the vast majority
advanced initially I seriously consider that Aeonium of plants are hybrids so we can hardly speak now
Rangitoto is nothing else but F2 or F3 generations of the true species growing there. There still are a
of the initial A. undulatum x A. haworthii hybrid and few plants around that could indulgently pass as
that the change in appearance is due to the ge- A. undulatum, but definitely not even a handful of
netic dominance of A. haworthii. A. haworthii.
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It seems that New Zealand plants do not form land. I have seen few plants and literally hundreds
seed, but instead this species forms tiny plantlets in of small plantlets scattered in a place that looks to
the flower axiles and this supports its invasive be- have been used as a temporary storage halfway
haviour. The myriads of cracks, fissures and small of the southern summit track. Im monitoring this
Crassulaceae - gen. Crassula
crevices of the lava fields, offering shelter and ac- spot since 2009 and C. multicava seems to become
cumulating organic matter and moisture, are ideal more and more established here. Another place is
for the small plantlets to establish. This species is next to Wilsons Park, beneath the crater rim. Again,
very easy to distinguish from similar species (Cras- few larger plants and several scattered plantlets.
sula streyi or Crassula sarmentosa var. integrifolia) As some of the plants were growing next to stored
by the marginal hydathodes scattered on both leaf barrels containing weed control chemicals, so I
surfaces. C. multicava used to be another garden guess that the infestation has been produced by
favourite of the post-Victorian era and even if it DOC workers. In October 2014 I have noticed a
summary
was officially recorded only in 1959, it could have couple more infestation points on the southern
become an adventive plant much earlier. It comes summit track, so it seems to advance steadily and
from South Africa. Crassula multicava is unfortu- unperturbed towards the interior. Fortunately the
nately one of the very few succulent pests that infestation sources are still much localized; its
have not been contained only along the coastline only up to DOC to do something about while still a
of Rangitoto but penetrated the interior of the is- relatively easy job.
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Crassula orbicularis, cultivated plant.
summary
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Crassula sieberiana (Schul-
tes et Schultes f.) Druce ssp.
summary
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summary
to no avail; luckily in September 2011 I chose to plants (one taller, a couple of smaller ones appar-
take a small shortcut through the bush and here it ently originating from the main specimen) wasnt
was in a small glade, just in front of me, only cou- really close to a demolished bach site. It doesnt
ple of metres from the track, but otherwise hid- have a high invasive potential, on the contrary, so
den. Tall growing, to 30-40 cm, and having usually it is just a limited exotic addition to Rangitotos var-
small tight rosettes coloured from dark green to ied flora. Echeveria multicaulis comes from Mexico.
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summary
Echeveria secunda f.
glauca, cultivated plant.
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It is easy to propagate from cuttings, leaves and
bracts in cultivation, but rather amorphous and
summary
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Echeveria setosa Rose & J. Purpus. Recorded by cuttings; the only problem I have found is that
Sykes (1992) as two young plants and acknowl- some organs able to assure propagation more
summary
edged by the same in 2004 as a misidentification likely in unassisted situations (i.e. detached leaves
of Echeveria Set-Oliver or bracts) are somewhat prone to fungal attacks
and even in controlled cultivation I couldnt get the
Echeveria Set-Oliver Walther has an uncertain same good results as with other similar plants, es-
status. There is at least one formally unidentified pecially in wet weather even if sheltered (due to
collection (but presumably Echeveria Set-Oliver) increased relative air humidity). I think that Ech-
dating back to the early 70s made by A.E. Esler. everia Set-Oliver could have escaped cultivation
More, Sykes (2004) is dismissing his 1992 claim as in Rangitoto or carry on as a cultivation relict for
being most likely a misidentification (almost cer- some time, but I give the plant low survival chances
tainly wrong). I am pretty confident in saying that considering the limited propagation means avail-
it has been cultivated here it was extremely pop- able and the thorough DOC vegetation checks per-
ular in Auckland gardens few decades ago, why formed especially in the last 10-20 years. It is not
wouldnt it have been in the rock gardens nearby exactly persistent either as older plants become in
the holiday baches of the same Aucklanders? It my experience less and less energetic in time. It is
does not set viable seed, so we have to look at a classic Echeveria setosa x Echeveria harmsii hybrid
vegetative propagation. It propagates readily from created by Victor Reiter Jr. in the USA in 1932.
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Kalachoe ' Houghtonii' near the Controlled Mine Base.
summary
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summary
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summary
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Sedum album, cultivated plant.
Detail right: Sedum album, plant in Rangitoto.
summary
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summary
Sedum forsterianum C.
A. Smith was recorded by
Webb et al (1988) in Lit-
tle Barrier Id (N. Auckland),
Rangitoto Id and several
localities in Auckland City
(as S. forsteranum sic!),
repeated in 1989 (this time
with the correct spelling),
while in Wilcox (2007) is also
listed this species, without
any comment. However,
Sykes (1992) considers this
a misidentification when
writing about S. mexicanum:
This is the plant recorded
from Rangitoto and some
other places in the region as
Sedum forsterianum Smith
(Webb et al. 1988) but the latter species apparently is not wild in New Zealand. S. forsteri-
Crassulaceae - gen. Sedum
anum has been also confused for S. reflexum (or vice versa) in historical records, which is
quite understandable as both species are extremely difficult to distinguish especially from
herbarium specimens. I would rather consider it a dubious identification. Apart from fine de-
tails in leaves form, leaves persistency and flower, sometimes impossible to assess in habitat,
the overall colour of the leaves is usually relevant: green in S. forsterianum, silvery-green in S.
reflexum. Sedum forsterianum comes from Central and Western Europe.
summary
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Sedum kimnachii (Sedum decumbens), cultivated
plant.
summary
Sedum kimnachii Byalt (with a confusing history seen it in Rangitoto and, without dismissing this
and still mostly known as Sedum decumbens R. T. possibility, I rather think it has slim chances to
Crassulaceae - gen. Sedum
Clausen) is simply mentioned in Wilcox (2007) in thrive on the long term in this hot and dry habitat.
the list of vascular plants, without any comment. It is a perennial subshrub with decumbent stems,
Not mentioned by Sykes (1992) while in Webb et apple green to yellowish-green leaves producing
al (1988) only South Island locations are indicated. profuse yellow flowers in winter. Very popular
NZ Plant Conservation Network indicates as the in cultivation, it only needs extended cooler and
only North Island location Lower Hutt. (However, moister periods during the year. No wonder it es-
they still not distinguish between S. decumbens and caped cultivation especially in the South Island.
summary
S. kimnachii the very same plant in fact, which is Easy to propagate from cuttings and definitely
confusing for some enthusiasts, myself including able to self-propagate vegetatively. It is another
few years ago). Mexican species with doubtful origin, with much
How come Rangitoto? I dont know, as there is horticultural success but with no known natural
no source known to me placing this species in Ran- habitat, probably originating from the Central Pla-
gitoto or any other Hauraki Gulf island. I havent teau.
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Sedum mexicanum Britton. According to Sykes natural distribution area. However, according to
(1992): Rangitoto Wharf. A few patches in shady Ray Stephenson (1994) this taxon might be actu-
sites besides old houses. The plants seem to flow- ally a cultivar of Asian origin: It is possible that
er sparingly on Rangitoto but have flowered freely Sedum mexicanum originated from the Far East
when taken lo Christchurch. I havent seen it on for it has no close relatives in Mexico and it has
summary
Rangitoto and, to be honest, I find it too fragile to more affinity with Chinese species than anything
withstand the extreme heat emanated by the ba- indigenous to Central America. () The precise
saltic lava slabs. It might have been cultivated on habitat of Sedum mexicanum is unknown though
the island (again, very popular in many rockeries), it is commonly grown and has escaped in several
but little chances to survive long term. It is gener- Central American countries. Common in cultiva-
ally considered a Mexican species, with no known tion around Auckland.
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summary
Geraniaceae
Geraniaceae
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Pelargonium x asperum Willd. (P. graveolens Aiton offshore islands. The New Zealand plants resem-
x P. radens H. Moore) Sykes, 1992: Islington and ble the second parent much more than the first
Rangitoto Wharf. Around a number of old house one. This is a complex of hybrids coming from
summary
Geraniaceae
sites where it regenerates in the vicinity of the South Africa as well. This species is important for
original plants. The plants on Rangitoto and else- the cosmetic industry, as essential oils produced
where in New Zealand are uniform and apparently from its flowers are used in aromatherapy and
mostly spread by vegetative means. It is the com- as cosmetic ingredient, but also used to be a very
monest of the scented leaved geraniums and is popular cottage garden plant. I didnt see it being
wild around the North Island coast and on some used in modern plantings.
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Geraniaceae
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Epidendrum cinnabarinum Lindl. (Epidendrum ibaguense Kunth in H.B.K.) I have to quote here
the entire paragraph from Sykes (1992) as it contains pretty much all I know about this species in
Rangitoto: Islington. A single large tangled mat on a lava pinnacle around an old house site but
summary
Orchidaceae
apparently was no more than a relic of cultivation although showing a tendency to layer. This spe-
cies and its hybrids form one of the commonest groups of epiphytic orchids in cultivation in New
Zealand. The Rangitoto plant seems to belong to the species itself because its flowers resemble
those on early paintings of E. cinnabarinum. Indigenous to northern S. America. However, this
species does not appear listed in Wilcox (2007)
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Aloe brevifolia Mill. is also currently eradicated from Rangitoto according to Wilcox,
2007. No other information whatsoever, just an entry on a list. This species forms
relatively large clumps and is also tough as old boots, only endures even better
summary
than A. aristata full sun exposure in Aucklands rock gardens. It flowers in late spring
to early summer. A. brevifolia comes from South Africa (Western Cape) where it is
an endangered species.
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Aloe ciliaris Haw. (Climbing Aloe) is referred by Sykes (1992) in Islington. One strag-
gling plant on an old garden site. () is only a relic of cultivation. Sykes collection
is dated 1989. Probably this plant has been checked by DOC long time ago, need-
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less to say I havent seen any in Rangitoto. Although it is a fast grower, being able
of forming sizeable thickets in time, Aloe ciliaris typically needs a bit more moisture
(and possibly warmth over winter) than available in Rangitoto. In my opinion it had
anyway low survival chances here, even if assisted. It comes from South Africa.
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away. I put it on a certain genetic variation. How- other means, at least for the newer generations.
ever, both types have consistently flat topped ra- Aloe maculata is in its natural habitat a variable
cemes bearing salmon-red flowers, and the lateral plant, found in a wide range of habitats across
teeth with a slightly orientation towards the leaf Southern Africa, especially southern and eastern
base (backwards). South Africa, south-eastern Botswana and Zimba-
Absolutely astonishing, in Rangitoto flowering bwe.
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V.Some interesting
summary
Rangitoto
Psilotum nudum, Islington Bay.
captivating flora.
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Anemone coronaria L. (or possibly A. pavonina L. ?) in time, since the early 1800s. It comes from the
(fam. Ranunculaceae) is inconsistently mentioned native to the Mediterranean region and Middle
as A. pavonina L. in Wilcox (2007) and as Anemone x East (especially Turkey, Israel and Jordan). The ver-
hybrid in Miller et al (1994). The latest is definitely nacular name used in European cultures is Span-
not the plant seen by me near Islington Bay, and ish marigold. All pictures are from the same beau-
Ranunculaceae
in my opinion possibly not A. pavonina either, but tiful stand of mixed colours flowers near Islington,
summary
A. coronaria. (A. pavonina is similar to A. coronaria in an abandoned garden. This was the only place
but the flowers are smaller). However, I have my I have seen this species but what a surprise for
doubts. Flowers are borne on a long single stem me! They are average self-seeders but its much
above a relatively low rosette of leaves and are easier to propagate them by divided tubers (some-
multi-coloured, red, blue, purple, pink, white and times called bulbs, which is technically incorrect).
many cultivars and hybrids have been developed They flower typically in late winter to early spring.
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Ranunculaceae
Not parasitic, as it doesnt damage its host in common on Rangitoto, mostly in the scoria cone
any way. There are male and female flowers on area (Wilcox, 2007), and there is where I have
different plants, the male flowers being some- seen it indeed several times and in several places,
what bigger and showier. It was a ritual plant in but mostly growing in trees along the road from
the Maori culture, a spring harbinger, and flowers the summit to Islington (Summit Road), although
being used to make garlands. The Maori name is the picture in Wilcox (2007) was taken in 2006 on
Ranunculaceae
Puawhananga (meaning flower of the skies). C. McKenzie Bay Road, which is the south-western
summary
paniculata has a distinct juvenile form with much coastal road, quite far from the scoria cone.
narrower leaves. It flowers in August to Septem- Quite different from all other Clematis species
ber, sooner or later, depending on the weather: from New Zealand, and almost impossible to con-
the harder the winter, the later it flowers. fuse. A beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, discretely
Not rare at all, but difficult to reach as it grows scented flower. My favourite, of all non-succulent
up high in the canopy. C. paniculata is relatively plants!
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Astelia solandri A.Cunn. (fam. Asteliaceae) an ev- was a Swedish naturalist and an avid follower of
ergreen rhizomatous perennial growing epiphytic Carl Linnaeus. It is a beautiful plant with fascinat-
on aging trees, on the lower parts of their trunks ing, delicate flowers. In the traditional Maori cul-
but here on Rangitoto mostly lithophytic. It has 1-2 ture, its leaves were used in multi-coloured fibre
m long leaves, dark green on the upper side, and weaving and in making shallow baskets for cook-
silvery-green beneath. Plants are dioecious (male ing or serving different meals. The crimson fruits
and female flowers on separate plants), flowers are are not only edible but have an agreeable flavour.
yellowish-white and finely scented and appear in Very common in Rangitoto, where it grows near
late winter to early spring, developing later round tracks in relatively sheltered positions in light
and somewhat translucent fruits, green to yellow bushy areas or surrounded by young forest type
summary
Asteliaceae
or red-brownish. Seed dispersal is supported by vegetation. The most impressive specimens I have
fruit eating birds, here on Rangitoto especially the seen near Rangitoto wharf and on the south-east-
tui bird (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) and the ern coastal track from Yankee Wharf to Rangito-
New Zealand pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae). to wharf, but Im convinced there could be many
Endemic to New Zealand, the plant was named more scattered in not-so accessible corners of the
after Daniel Carlsson Solander (1733 - 1782) who island.
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Brachyglottis kirkii var. kirkii (Kirk) C.J.Webb in stitute and other journals. (NZPCN)
Connor & Edgar (= Senecio kirkii Hook.f. ex Kirk) This is one of the protected species being regard-
vernacular names are Forest tree groundsel, Kirk's ed in Serious Decline nationwide only 10 years
daisy, Kohuhurangi is a New Zealand (North Is- ago, and not really recovering in recent years (At
land only) endemic shrub growing to 1-2 m high Risk Declining, in 2009 and 2012) mainly due to
and bearing up to 3 cm wide white daisy like flow- predation by possums, deer and goats. As a mat-
ers with yellow centre on large inflorescences ter of fact Rangitoto seems to be one of the few
(up to 20 flowers), however, it is growing mostly strongholds left, with numerous specimens out
epiphytic. In Rangitoto, as many other epiphytes, there luckily its traditional predators have been
Brachyglottis kirkii var. kirkii was forced to become eradicated here. I have seen this species mainly on
a lithophyte. the southern summit track, around Wilsons Gar-
I have seen this species in both situations. It was den and along the road between summit and Is-
named after Thomas Kirk (18 January 1828 - 8 lington Bay. Great plant, although Ive made a few
summary
March 1898), a NZ botanist and lecturer in natu- trips across the lava fields to be able to take the
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
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(name given by the early European settlers) as it but on occasion introduced birds such as Mynahs
Asteraceae
has the tendency to fall from the tall kauri trees on (Acridotheres tristis) do the same, but elsewhere
the logging workers beneath and in those times not on Rangitoto where it is absent. The clumps
there were still centennial kauri trees around, hold a small water reservoir which is used as the
bearing their heavy load. C. hastatum is common only breeding ground by Culex asteliae, a New Zea-
in the entire North Island and in the northern tip land endemic mosquito.
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Convolvulaceae
The most interesting fact is that Calystegia soldanella (L.) R.Br. ex Roem. & Schult.
(fam. Convolvulaceae) usually growing on beaches or fore dunes in xerophytic condi-
summary
tions has very fleshy, succulent leaves, capable to store a certain amount of water in
order to overcome the draught; upslope plants growing more or less hidden between
higher vegetation in moist and sheltered positions have membranous leaves (more like
the other Calystegia or Convolvulus species have). On top of that its thick, fleshy roots are
also designed to store precious water and nutrients. In other words this plant has defi-
nitely placed a bid for succulence, but seemed to have stopped halfway through.
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Calystegia soldanella (L.) R.Br. ex Roem. & Schult. actly a pure native either, as we cannot be even
(fam. Convolvulaceae) is another occasionally sub- sure that native stock has not been mixed in the
succulent species. Before we continue I have to past with overseas plants, as it happened to other
clarify few things the well known Calystegia sol- relatives.
danella (Linnaeus) R. Brown (basyionym Convol- In its typical state Calystegia soldanella is a sand
vulus soldanella L., heterotypic synonym Calyste- dune pioneer, establishing quickly in exposed po-
gia sepium var. tangerine Pau), which is in fact an sitions and becoming locally dominant, but less
Convolvulaceae
invalid name (see Note 1 in Zimer, 2009b), correct- inclined to face the competition of other plants.
ly being referred as Calystegia soldanella Roem. & However, in Rangitoto it is mostly populating lava
summary
Schult., is actually a cosmopolite plant spread in blocks covered by minimal soil, sand or rock rub-
both hemispheres. Calystegia soldanella is indig- ble accumulations.
enous in New Zealand (North Island, South Island, It is very common and almost impossible to
Kermadec Islands, Three Kings Island, Stewart Is- overlook.
land and Chatham Islands). Therefore Calystegia Mentioned on Rangitoto for the first time by Kirk
soldanella is not a naturalized plant, but is not ex- (1879) as Convolvulus soldanella L.
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Scrophulariaceae
summary
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Feesia laxa (Thunb.) Goldblatt & J.C. Manning (fam. Iridaceae) is a small corm forming geophyte, very var-
iable, from Africa (from south-east to southern Africa) with red or pink and white flowers, bearing more
or less visible characteristic marks, very popular ornamental known as Red flame lily or False Freesia
(synonyms Anomatheca cruenta, Anomatheca laxa, Lapeirousia cruenta, Lapeirousia laxa). It has been pre-
summary
viously recorded near or west of Rangitoto wharf by E.K. Cameron in 1993 (near start of Kowhai Track.
Few plants together, flowers pale scarlet; between house sites, did not appear to be planted. Under
Iridaceae
open pohutukawa canopy.), and was also mentioned in Wilcox (2007) in the same location, however, I
have seen this species only north of Islington wharf, along the coastal track. Typically it flowers in Rangi-
toto 1-2 weeks earlier than on the mainland. The plants seen by me in Rangitoto seem to be a relatively
modern cultivar, and not exactly the true species, but still are beautiful and showy spring flowers.
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Freesia refracta (Jacquin) Klatt. (fam. Iridaceae), on page 20 there is a very relevant picture on the
the true Freesia, is growing abundantly around for- occurrence of F. refracta on the island, hundreds
mer settlements and sometimes along the tracks, of flowers dotting the coastal track margins near
for few metres. Freely propagating by corms and Islington Bay. A beautiful display in late winter to
seed, it is hard to stop once set foot somewhere. early spring, in white and pastel yellow, mauve,
Rangitoto is actually a perfect habitat for this orange, sometimes bicolour or with fine stripes!
species offering myriads of crevices where corms Although recorded as a true species, as with many
summary
find shelter from the scorching summer heat, only other entries in New Zealand botanical accounts,
to come to life in late winter to early spring. It the naturalized plants originate from the widely
Iridaceae
comes from South Africa and has been recorded cultivated common freesias, which are in fact hor-
as naturalized (according to NZCPN) only in 1972, ticultural products, selected cultivars or hybrids
but my firm belief is that is that it must have been with other Freesia species. This doesnt lessen
present on Rangitoto long before. In Wilcox (2007) their splendour in any way!
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Nerium oleander L. (fam. Apocynaceae) had its not need fertilizers or special soils (grows even in
reputation dented by the numerous poisonous compacted substrates) and it thrives if given any
plant allegations no wonder, as it belongs to sunny spot. The only real care that has to be taken
the Apocynaceae family, well known for including is to pull out from time to time its suckers while
some of the most poisonous plants of the world. young because it drains the energy of the mother
As someone once wrote the oleander has suffered plant and this is reflected by poor flowering. It is
from poor press; however, it still is highly valued by easily propagated by cuttings and rooted suckers.
some growers and due to the many existing forms, Seeds germinate also readily, however I think it is
cultivars and hybrids even an International Olean- the harder way to propagate this plant unless you
der Society has been established. As old-fashioned have a real call for this kind of propagation.
cottage gardens can be still often seen in New Zea- It has a moderate range in New Zealand, being
Apocynaceae
summary
land this plant is widespread in warmer parts of naturalized only in the warmest parts of the coun-
the country and managed to establish even in very try - Northland, greater Auckland and the Kerma-
small wild populations. dec group of islands (Raoul Island in particular).
Nerium oleander is one of the easiest shrubs to It doesnt occur in great numbers, but more or
grow and it became very popular in some warmer less isolated plants and doesnt seem to pose any
parts of the world. As it is not demanding, does threat for natural habitats.
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Psilotum nudum (L.) P. Beauv. (fam. Psilotaceae) etc. Very interesting it lacks roots too! It is fixing
(the Skeleton fork fern) is a plant species to be itself using rhizomes-like organs, also used for as-
treated with much respect ... It is limited to tropi- similation of nutrients through symbiosis with var-
cal and sub-tropical regions of the globe, and is ious fungi. In tropical regions it is strictly epiphytic
relatively common in New Zealand and fairly well plant, in other cooler areas it also grows on the
represented in Rangitoto. It is in fact a living fos- ground.
sil - its origins are very old as it is the direct de- In Rangitoto most of them - as you can see from
scendant of the first vascular plants dominating the photos prefer the lithophyte path (in fact as
the Silurian and Devonian (359-444 mil. years ago), many other typical epiphytes do here). They pre-
and considered to have only very little changed or fer rock crevices (hence the relatively large pres-
not changed at all over the last 230 million years, ence in the island), in rather exposed positions
likely even more, although theres no clear fossil where they dont have competition from other
summary
evidence to stop controversies around. In other plant species, although in other regions it is found
Psilotaceae
words, it might be older than the dinosaurs (their in swampy areas and in all sorts of intermediate
childhood has been definitely witnessed). It is one habitats. This species is not threatened nationally,
of the oldest unchanged organisms in the world! but was steadily declining in later decades due to
It is a fern and therefore is propagating by spores habitat loss or deteriorating habitat quality. Still
and, evidently, does not have flowers, or leaves, common in Rangitoto and thriving!
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Hymenophyllaceae
We have here in fact a very sophisticated archi- huge amounts of water being available to keep
tecture, a functional differentiation between tis- the ball rolling. In times of moisture deficit (usu-
sues designed to provide structural support and ally high summer) it dehydrates, only to rehydrate
tissues designed to accumulate and retain certain with the next rain. Desiccated fronds are papyrus
amounts of moisture. like; well hydrated fronds are nicely green and
This may look very petty for the entire economy translucent. Quite common in Rangitoto, coloniz-
of the plant, fact is that this alone allows the Kid- ing more or less sheltered groves, especially abun-
ney fern to store enough moisture in its fronds in dant close to Rangitoto wharf (Kidney Fern Glen),
order to pass more or less prolonged periods of along the northern path to Wreck Bay, along the
summary
draught or simply evade the moist habitat restric- Coastal Track, near the summit and in other few
tions and adventure in otherwise unthinkable plac- spots. Grows sometimes lithophytic, sometimes
es such as semi-open lava fields. Without stomata epiphytic; survives in the open, but prefers filtered
organs that by opening / closing in certain condi- light and remnant moisture. Some of the largest
tions can regulate the water loss all exchanges populations I have seen anywhere in New Zea-
are membranous and this implies comparatively land. It is only rarely associated with other ferns.
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VI. notable absences
summary
Euphorbia glauca,
here at Houghton Bay,
Wellington
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S
peaking of notable absences I cannot ig- a complex of many dozens of forms (not to men-
nore the obvious and surprising absence tion its varieties) of which up to a dozen or so are
of few non-succulent very common spe- cultivated in Auckland area (and generally in New
cies most importantly totara (Podocarpus Zealand). Tough and hardy, does particularly well
totara, Podocarpaceae) and the coastal koromiko as a garden plant in rockeries or even in traditional
(Hebe macrocarpa, Scrophulariaceae), not only very gardens and forms plenty of highly fertile seed. In
common natives species, but also present on the several locations throughout New Zealand it be-
neighbouring Motutapu Island. This underlines came a highly invasive species, replacing indig-
the importance of the absence of specific dispersal enous coastal vegetation, in other maybe only a
vectors versus proximity. Somewhat less under- nuisance, but still proves that in coastal regions
standable is that important totara seed dispersal it is able to colonize vast areas creating dense
birds (such as the New Zealand pigeon and the tui populations. Especially if you look at the density
bird) have been seen browsing Rangitoto, attract- reached elsewhere it becomes hard to believe that
ed mostly by the kowhai flowering in springtime. it couldnt set foot here, on a real playground for
On the other hand, the succulent flora of Rangi- invasive succulents, where competition is less in-
toto is consisting mostly of adventive species, mak- tense.
ing it one of the most interesting and composite I put it simply on the lack of dispersal vectors,
in New Zealand. Some of these species are even in this case birds, and not any birds, but rock pi-
summary
found naturalized only on this relatively small is- geons (Columba livia domestica). The generally ac-
land and nowhere else in New Zealand. However, cepted theory is seed dispersal by wind, and Im
there are a few notable absences of these two not disputing that it cannot happen at least in cer-
are really interesting and worthwhile discussing. tain conditions. However, in time, looking at very
First of all Cotyledon orbiculata L. var. orbiculata, obvious dispersal anomalies such as dispersal
and this is highly surprising. This species in fact line against the prevailing wind direction in Piha
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Cotyledon orbiculata- here in Napier.
summary
- or analysing the characteristics of high infested of the seeds wasnt very effective. In my opinion,
spots such as Napier (especially The Bluff) or in this case wind doesnt do it. It is actually funny
Whakatane, where on the adjoining heights there that seeds dispersal by birds, highly considered in
are numerous feral pigeons nesting in the pigeon- ridiculously long dispersal ranges, is completely
holes and crevices I realized that it has some- ignored in this case.
thing to do with the pigeons Seeds dispersed by Another prominently absence is in my opinion
wind might not land always in adequate spots and Aeonium arboreum (L.) Webb & Berth., in all its
receive no other logistic support. More, seeds are forms cultivated in New Zealand, the common
fine, but small, round and compact, not the really green form, but also the hugely popular coloured
adapted for wind dispersal (gravitational, maybe?) cultivars such as Atropurpureum or Zwartkop. It
and definitely not able to be blown by whirlwinds is (or at least it was) the most popular Aeonium
for tens or even hundreds of meters upwards on in cultivation. As mentioned above, after early
the rock faces. However, seeds passing through dubious records, all seem to be in agreement that
the digestive tracts of the birds (acid breaking the Aeonium arboreum is not present on Rangitoto. I
seed coat?) and landing together with the moist havent seen it, not even plants that generally look
and Nitrogen rich droppings have much better like it.
chances of germination. Unfortunately (for the However, this species is widely naturalized
species) or luckily (for conservationists) there is no elsewhere in New Zealand, especially the green
feral rock pigeon population on Rangitoto or flying form in Greater Auckland, Hawkes Bay (Napier)
summary
regularly from the mainland to the island to serve together with A. arboreum Atropurpureum,
as a dispersal vector. Wellington where beautiful hybrids have been
I dont know if C. orbiculata was ever cultivated recorded, Canterbury, near Christchurch
on Rangitoto, however, this is quite possible as it especially in Banks Peninsula, etc. It is like most
used to be a very common garden plant in early to Aeoniums a prolific seeder, it does wonderful in
mid-20th century in Auckland. If so, wind dispersal poor soils (my preferred propagation substrate
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is pure scoria), it proved to be successful in other declining as of 2012, but more important is that
areas, although not equally aggressive as A. populations may vary dramatically in number of
haworthii or A. undulatum for instance, and maybe individuals, depending on particular conditions.
less tolerant to coastal conditions. However, I have The greatest threats are browsing animals,
no satisfactory explanation for this absence. It is competition from other coastal plant species and
very unlikely not to have been cultivated on the coastal developments, but according to NZPCN
island. entire populations have been wiped out by a
Opuntioids except for one very cryptic mention fungal disease, especially on South Islands West
in Wilcox (2007), Opuntia monacantha have not Coast. This species is a prolific seeder (although
been recorded on Rangitoto either. In fact O. very good germination occurs only in fresh seeds)
monacantha could have been noted only in relation and has also a moderate rhizomatous spreading
to the intended botanical garden (site known habit, forming locally dense stands.
today as Wilsons Park). No trace of it today or any However, although currently extinct from the
mentions of other common cultivated species greater Auckland area where it used to be common
such as O. ficus-indica or O. robusta, successfully many decades ago, E. glauca is still present on two
escaped and established elsewhere. Of course, of the Hauraki Gulf islands. Why not on Rangitoto?
New Zealand does not offer the conditions for I dont know.
a rampant invasion as it happened over the Finally, I will mention two more absentees:
ditch in Australia, but still there are few pockets. Yucca gloriosa L. var gloriosa, the common Spanish
Opuntioids have been widely cultivated especially dagger so widespread in coastal conditions
in late 19th to mid-20th centuries, as for many (mostly in sand dunes or deeper soils and less on
people, along the massive Cereoids, these plants rocky substrate, this could be the explanation) and
could have represented the idea of cacti, as they Furcraea selloa K. Koch (known as the Wild Sisal)
are resilient and accommodating. Rangitoto would known from many extremely resilient cultivation
summary
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R
angitoto is not only an iconic landmark, a very composite piece of nature, it never was a bal-
weekend destination for many Aucklanders, anced natural island habitat and in my opinion it
but also precious conservation land. In fact, will never be in a predicable time span At least
it has become obvious that with all the pres- DOC has managed to stop the rampant spread of
sure created especially by human activities and several invasive plant species (some eradicated),
the presence of more or less invasive unwanted has managed to make Rangitoto animal pest free,
organisms, it had to be unavoidable for DOC one these are really great achievements.
of the main targets when it comes to conserve However, I am critical on the continuous drive
and rehabilitate island habitats, as they are less to adopt such a hard line for the future as the
changed by human intervention. This is poten- costs may largely exceed the benefits. My main
tially a less difficult task and basically financially reproach is that at times it is such a bureaucratic
more affordable. However, for objectives of highly approach that one would think these rehabilita-
touristic importance neighbouring areas with high tion plans were almost designed to tick boxes and
density population, such as Auckland, this be- justify funding, while other more important ser-
comes more of a Fe Morgane. viceable areas are ignored. Why was allowed to
There are big plans in regards to Rangitoto, re- quarry and to process rock on the island (for lo-
lease of native birds, plantings of naturally rare or cal utilization, this is true) if it is well known that
endangered plant species, etc., and all this has a in a such unsettled habitat dispersal of dust and
prerequisite the eradication or at least strict con- generally fine particles and changes to the surface
trol of many alien plant species (most succulents have triggered rampant dispersal of aggressive in-
here fall into this category), and stop the disper- vaders and changes of the vegetation patterns? In
sal of other invasive species as well. Considering a nutshell I would rather spend effort and money
all this, if successful, most succulents here are to fight real enemies nationwide, such as gorse
doomed to be eradicated in a not so distant future, (Ulex europaeus - a real pest, not just a nuisance:
or at least to be allowed only on limited or strictly e.g. slowly getting out of control on the Eastern
controlled areas. To be honest, although I agree in Summit Road in Rangitoto, or on the southern
some aspects I am sceptical in many others I wont slopes of Whatipu, which is supposed to be a sci-
detail here (see also in Zimer, 2008, 2009a, 2010c) entific reserve, or the heavy infestations at the
not to speak that conservation work even if prop- foot of Bream Head, a near pristine landmark?)
erly done, which is quite a rare event as such espe- or exotic grasses taking over imperceptibly near
cially when relying mostly on volunteer work, can pristine habitats all over New Zealand, rather than
summary
replace somewhat natural imbalances with other checking Aeoniums and Agaves or other more or
disproportions leading to a functionally artificial less casuals on Rangitoto. I guess that being over-
habitat anyway, in need of being maintained on zealous in some aspects and much too tolerant in
the long run. Lets not forget that Rangitoto is also others does not help long-term overall, but only
a touristic attraction and you have to find a balance aggravates the contrasts. Between conservation
here. Rangitoto used to be almost from the start a and destruction there is only a fine line.
Part 1. - VII. Conclusions 138 - XEROPHILIA Special Issue, No. 5, February 2015 | ISSN 2285-3987
Acknowledgements Miller, C.J., Craig, J.L. and Mitchell, N.D., 1994 - Ark 2020: A conservation
summary
First of all I would like to thank Dag Panco for sparking up my interest for suc- vision for Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands. Journal of The Royal Society
culent plants naturalization in New Zealand, many years ago. It just happened, of New Zealand 24(1): 65-90.
but he opened me this path. I would also like to thank Dag for the tremendous National Pest Plant Accord 2012. http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/nppa -
amount of work put into this project. I would like to thank my son Vlad as he last accessed 08.01.2015
was my travelling companion in most of the Rangitoto trips. I will cherish the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/
good old days, all the philosophic debates and the hilarious laughs we had! default.aspx - last accessed 08.01.2015
Last but not least, I would like to thank my wife Luana for starting my Rangito- Palmer, A.D., 1969 - Rangitoto. Auckland Botanical Society Newsletter
to obsession back in 2006, when she initiated the first trip there, and for push- 26(4): 7-8.
ing me to put this all together well, not a real book yet, but getting there! All Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust http://www.rangitoto.org/
pictures by Eduart Zimer and Vlad Zimer taken in habitat on Rangitoto Island, index.html - last accessed 12.01.2015
except where otherwise stated (e.g. cultivated, or here at...). I tried to use as Stephenson, R., 1994 - Sedum: Cultivated Stonecrops. Timber Press.
many original habitat illustrations as I could; however, I have also used on Oregon, USA. 355pp.
occasion some photographs from other locations if pictures were superior or Sykes, W.R., 1992 - Succulent Plants on Rangitoto Island. Auckland Bo-
if I didnt encounter that particular species in Rangitoto. All maps or historic tanical Society Journal 47(1): 6-16.
drawings, paintings and copyrighted photographs have been used under the Sykes, W.R., 2004 - Succulents misbehaving in my gardens. New Zealand
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Botanical Society Newsletter 75: 16-26.
Sykes, W.R., 2005 - Notes on Euphorbia and Crassula with a revised key
Selected Literature to the latter wild in New Zealand. New Zealand Botanical Society News-
Allan, H.H., 1961 - Flora of New Zealand Volume I: Indigenous Tracheo- letter 79: 8-16.
phyta - Psilopsida, Lycopsida, Filicopsida, Gymnospermae, Dicotyledons. Webb, C. J., Sykes, W. R. and Garnock-Jones, P. J., 1988 - Flora of New
Botany Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Gov- Zealand Volume IV: Naturalised Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Dicotyle-
ernment Printer. Wellington. New Zealand. 1085pp. dons. Botany Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
Butler, M., 2001 Rangitoto Island 1866 Extent of Vegetation, 1887 & Manaaki Whenua Press. Lincoln. New Zealand. 1365pp.
1913 Fires. Auckland Botanical Society Journal 56(2): 84-86. Webb, C. J., Sykes, W. R., Garnock-Jones, P. J., Given, D.R., and Brownsey,
Clarkson, B.D., 1990 - A Review of vegetation development following P.J., 1989 - Checklist of dicotyledons, gymnosperms, and pteridophytes
recent (<450 years) volcanic disturbance in North Island, New Zealand. naturalised in New Zealand: additional records and corrections. New
New Zealand Journal of Ecology 14: 59-71. Zealand Journal of Botany 27:139-162.
Court, G. D., 2000 - Succulent Flora of Southern Africa (Revised Edition). Whiting, D.C., 1987 - Vegetation colonisation of Rangitoto Island: the
A.A. Balkema Publishers. Rotterdam. Netherlands. 336pp. role of crevice microclimate. University of Auckland. M. Sc. thesis. Un-
Department of Conservation http://www.doc.govt.nz/- last accessed published. 265pp.
08.01.2015 Wilcox, M.D. (editor), 2007 - Natural History of Rangitoto Island. Auck-
Given, D. R., 1984 - Checklist of Dicotyledons naturalized in New Zea- land Botanical Society. New Zealand. 192pp.
land. New Zealand Journal of Botany 22:181-183. Woolnough, A., 1984 Rangitoto. The story of the island and its people.
Healy, A.J. and Edgar, E., 1980 - Flora of New Zealand Volume III. Adven- Angela Woolnough. Auckland. New Zealand. 72pp.
tive Cyperaceous Petalous and Spathaceous Monocotyledons. Botany Wotherspoon, S. H. and Wotherspoon, J. A., 2002 - The Evolution and Ex-
Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government ecution of a Plan for Invasive Weed Eradication and Control, Rangitoto
Printer, Wellington, 220 pp. Island, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand: p381-388. In Veitch, C.R. and Clout,
Heenan, P. B., de Lange, P. J., Glenny, D.S., Brietwieser, I., Brownsey, M.N. (editors). Turning the tide: The eradication of invasive species. Oc-
P.J., and Ogle, C.C., 1999 - Checklist of dicotyledons, gymnosperms, and casional paper of IUCN Species Survival Commission No. 27, Invasive
pteridophytes naturalised or casual in New Zealand: additional records Species Group, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. 414pp.
19971998. New Zealand Journal of Botany 37: 629642. Zimer, E., 2007 - Plante suculente naturalizate n Noua Zeelanda. Acc
Heenan, P. B., de Lange, P. J., Cameron, E. K. and Parris, B. S., 2008 - Aztekium. (Internet last accessed 25.06.2014).
Checklist of dicotyledons, gymnosperms, and pteridophytes naturalised Zimer, E., 2008 - The naturalized Aeonium of Rangitoto Island (Hauraki
or casual in New Zealand: Additional records 200406. New Zealand Gulf, New Zealand). International Crassulaceae Network. (Internet last
Journal of Botany, 46(2): 257-283. accessed 25.06.2014).
Howell, C. and Sawyer, J.W.D., 2006 - New Zealand Naturalised vascular Zimer, E., 2009a - The succulent corner at Yankee Wharf, Rangitoto Is-
plant checklist, New Zealand Plant Conservation Network, November land .The New Zealand Cactus and Succulent Journal 62 (4): 114-120.
2006. 60 pp. Zimer, E., 2009b - Succulent plants from down under Adventive Plants
Howell, C., 2008 - Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New (Part 8). Unpublished. 23pp.
Zealand. Science & Technical Publishing Department of Conservation, Zimer, E., 2010a The adventive Crassulaceae of Rangitoto Island, Hau-
Wellington, New Zealand. 42pp. raki Gulf, New Zealand. International Crassulaceae Network. (Internet
International Crassulaceae Network http://www.crassulaceae.ch/de/ last accessed 25.06.2014).
home - last accessed 08.01.2015 Zimer, E., 2010b Notes on Aeonium Rangitoto I. The New Zealand
summary
Julian, A., 1992 - The vegetation pattern of Rangitoto. University of Auck- Cactus and Succulent Journal 63(2): 37.
land. PhD thesis. Unpublished. 297pp. Zimer, E., 2010c The fragile boundary between conservation and
Kirk, T., 1879 - Notes on the Botany of Waiheke Rangitoto and other destruction on Rangitoto Island, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand (Part 1).
islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Transactions and Proceedings of the New Unpublished. 37pp.
Zealand Institute 11: 444-454. Zimer, E., 2012a Is Horokaka (Disphyma australe ssp. australe) more
Lancaster, T.L., 1929 - Municipal Record. Official organ of the Auckland than a regional form of Disphyma crassifolium? Xerophilia 1(2):51-70.
City Corporation of New Zealand 3(3):5-8. Zimer, E., 2012b Aeonium Rangitoto. Xerophilia 1(3): 5-22.
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part 2.
whakaari
white island
summary
new zealand
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whakaari
summary
W
hakaari - White Island - is
not the kind of South Pacific
island you would like to spend
your holiday on, it is mostly
barren and inhospitable. It is after all an
active volcano with fumaroles, boiling
mud pools, steam, gas and ash emissions
and astrictive sulphur smell, rumbling
and sending out tremors on a daily basis.
However, my April 2014 trip to the island
White Island volcano erupting on the 20th of August was quite memorable to say the least: it
2013. According to GeoNet the volcano erupted was my ultimate New Zealand volcanic
summary
only for 10 minutes throwing "mud and rocks a experience. Despite being a hostile
short distance from the source, and produced large environment it is not lifeless... which was
volumes of white steam. () A small proportion of not a surprise. As a matter of fact people
volcanic ash was carried with the steam". Photo by have worked and lived here from time
Alex and Jennifer Simon. to time, even in the times prior to the
European colonization.
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22 layers of solified volcanic lava from previous tragic event from 100 years ago has a very obvious
eruptions are alternating with layers of volcanic explanation.
ash deposits. This points out that the volcano has There is a long list of volcanic events of the past.
had a tortuous eruptive past: periods of high lava However, the actual shape of the crater was largely
extrusion have swapped with explosive activity created during the 1976-1982 eruptions and
dispersing pyroclastic ashes (Dr. Richard Roscoe). subsequently altered again between 1986-1990.
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Approaching White Island from the sea. Steam emerging from the main crater lake.
In the centre of the crater there is an acid lake again in 2012/2013 while the recent background
with quite volatile water levels. Truth is that 1976- volcanic action suggests that another activity spike
1991 was the longest period of intense and almost could be arriving soon. Gaseous emissions are
uninterrupted volcanic activity on the island, at mostly carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide, but on
least in known history. It is believed that in 1991 occasion there are short explosive events, when
part of the high conduit channel collapsed covering fumaroles erupt, sending jets of hot steam into
the magma chambers (only 300-400 m deep at that the skies and sometimes ejecting football sized
summary
time) and putting the volcano to rest, not before to rocks which can land hundreds of metres away.
generate the strongest volcanic earthquake ever After the turbulent 1976-1991 period the crater
recorded in New Zealand. Subsequently there lake almost disappeared, but reappeared once the
were other significant eruptions in 2000 (when volcano settled a bit and the main crater cooled
a strombolian explosion occurred, covering the down. Although the water level is fluctuating quite
crater floor with scoriacious lava bombs) and a lot, fresh water wells are filling the lake regularly.
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Steam and sulphur fumes from the fumaroles. Steam rising from the main crater lake.
It's not a good idea to come close to the main Steam rising from the main crater lake.
crater lake without the gas mask on.
From humble beginnings to large scale spin to their cruising experience I guess. The first
mining lucrative mining operation was set up much later,
In good weather the steaming island is visible in 1874, when one of the White Island co-owners
from the coast, and theres no wonder why it started to mine small amounts of sulphur and
always has attracted visitors. The Maori used to export them to Sydney, in Australia, as fertilizer.
sail regularly to the island and gather birds and It was a relatively small scale operation, but the
their eggs for food (there still is a large gannet potential was recognized.
breeding colony here) and also to collect sulphur In 1883 "NZ Manure and Chemical Company"
which they used as fertilizer. They named the was established and a sulphur processing factory
island Whakaari (actually the full name is Te Puia was built in Tauranga. Sulphur, mined from White
o Whakaari, meaning The Dramatic Volcano), also Island, was processed here and used mainly for
spelled Whakri (1). Captain Cook discovered producing sulphuric acid. However, this operation
the island during his 1769 voyage and named it wasnt long lived either. After the dramatic Mt.
White Island, purely based on its appearance: Tarawera eruption in 1886 (2), when huge amounts
surrounded by what he thought there were of ashes were scattered in the region, covering
white clouds. He actually failed to recognize it is a with a 2-3 cm thick layer even areas located at a
volcano, with the clouds formed from the steam distance of over 100 km, the mining on the island
emissions. was abandoned, for fear that such a devastating
The first Europeans landed on the island in 1826 eruption could take place on the island as well.
and soon its economic value became very obvious. Lacking the raw material, the entire business
In 1830 the island was bought from the Maori but collapsed.
summary
only to be sold on for several times. However, Production was resumed again in 1898, but after
for a short time, White Island became a touristic four years, during which 5,000 tons of sulphur ore
attraction. were mined, the best deposits were exhausted
Boats of the Northern Star Company cruise and exploitation became uneconomical and the
ships brought on occasion visitors ashore for business was closed down once again. But not for
day trips. It wasnt big business, but added a little long.
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Steaming vents with massive sulphur ore deposits. View of the sea with Troup Head in the backgroung,
steam and sulphur deposits.
Big business and tragedies Living conditions were also not optimal, as
In 1913 Brown and Mercer, two Brits running you can imagine, not to speak of the solitude.
a Canadian company, bought White Island and There was no drinkable water on the island. Only
established "The White Island Sulphur Co. of few people were attracted as the pay wasnt too
Vancouver". In order to cut cost this time the extravagant either. The average daily wage was
sulphur ore was processed directly on the island. 13 shillings, which in todays money is less than 43
A boiler house and several ovens were erected British pounds. However, the owners advertised
and sulphur was extracted and processed into worldwide that they are seeking labourers to
a fine powder, weighted and packed into sacks. work on a South Pacific island... a very appealing
People worked and lived on the island, covering prospect for many. It is said that one foreigner
long shifts for several months at a time. During tricked into a supposed exotic island life realized
peak demand time there were up to 30 people the truth only shortly before landing on White
working and living on the island. Working Island. He climbed and tied himself to the mast
conditions were hazardous and work accidents and refused vigorously to come down, shouting
were common. All metal structures (including and cursing in a foreign language none of the
summary
the retorts) were corroding quite fast in this acid sailors could understand. In the end they had
environment and at some stage one such retort to turn around and bring the lunatic back to the
exploded killing one of the workers. More, in mainland.
order to gain access to new sulphur ore deposits Much later, Claude Sarich, a sulphur miner
on the crated floor, the acidic lake was drained. working on White Island in 193132, left a vivid
Work wasnt a walk in the park. description: "The worst hell on earth, a place where
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In the crater of White Island (c.1930s.) A worker toils at the sulphur extraction plant on
White Island in the Bay of Plenty (in the late 1920s).
rocks exploded in the intense heat, where men they found all structures washed out to sea and no
had to wear wool instead of cotton because cotton trace of the 10 workers (4). No bodies have been
just fell apart in just a couple of hours, where they ever recovered, even after repeated search parties.
had to clean their teeth at least three times a day Couple of weeks later debris of the structures
because their teeth went black, and where the (poles, railway sleeps, timber and the wreckage of
land shook violently and regularly sending rocks the three existing dinghies) were washed out on
flying through the air". So, these were the living the shore, including beaches of Tauranga. It is said
conditions that an 11th man should have been on the island,
The workers were virtually left on their own on as he was recently hired as a cook for the working
the island. Every week or so a ship was arriving crew; however, the week before the tragedy
in the bay loading the sulphur and leaving occurred, he had a change of mind and didnt even
supplies for the workers. The ship couldnt land bother to announce his employer. He simply didnt
safely and there was no proper wharf, so the show up and the ship left without him. However,
ship was anchored at a certain distance and the there was one survivor the crews cat Peter, later
sulphur sacks were loaded first into a dinghy and renamed Peter the Great, who was found after
transferred onto the ship, and back the same way 21 days, starved and exhausted but otherwise
summary
were transferred supplies and equipment. It was fine, wandering on the opposite side of the island,
a hard work indeed which could take up most of not affected by the disaster. Peter the Great was
the day. In September 1914 disaster struck all of a brought back to the mainland and it is said that
sudden. The supply ship transferred to the island he fathered numerous descendants, all of them
a fresh shift on the 7thof September and when it being considered good luck cats. Reportedly the
returned on the 19th with mail and supplies (3) dynasty still exists.
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The beginning of the column report in the Evening Post
It is not known exactly what happened. Fact
is that part of the gigantic western flank wall
summary
Post World War 1 But Mr. Mercer must have been a stubborn
revival and business winding up man who wouldnt give up that easy. Pressured by
But the atrocities of the first World War have unhappy shareholders he tried several methods
dampened down the memories and the to reduce costs or to improve eficiency. But that
psychological effect of the 1914 White Island wasnt enough. During the Great Depression (1929-
tragedy. In the 1920s there was a brand new 1933) the turnover dropped and the business
dynamic world, with a booming economy and with went into tailspin, but a tenacious Mr. Mercer was
entrepreneurs always looking for new business still holding it afloat by any means. Even with the
ventures. The sulphur deposits on White Island risk of an increased bad reputation. In later years
were still atractive. At that time New Zealand had a he employed any method, from slightly illegal to
flourishing farming industry and fertilizers were in a completely dodgy jugglery, in order to make
high demand and it seemed lucrative to revive the ends meet. For instance, during the last months
sulphur exploitation on White Island. In 1923 Mr. of sulphur mining on White Island, he ordered
Mercer, a co-owner of the ill fated 1913 enterprise, the sulphur sacks to be filled three quarters with
set up the "White Island Agriculture Chemical volcanic ash and only one quatrer, at the top, with
Co. Ltd". Assisted by George Raymond Buttle, an pure sulphur. But farmers couldnt be fooled that
Auckland stock exchange broker, Mercer assured easy and they would never buy again his products.
a sizeable financial investment in his company and That was the final straw and in 1933 the company
the business took off. But this venture proved to be filed for bankruptcy. During the liquidation
also doomed from the start. Safety was important process G.R. Buttle, the financial mastermind,
summary
now, but this came at a cost. Brand new expensive purchased the island which remained in Buttle
equipment was also adding to the operating cost. family ownership until today.
More, sulphur extraction was more costly and Remains of the 1923 factory and equipment
less productive than initially estimated. As a result (corroding quickly away) are still standing and for
the company struggled financially from the very some very obvious reasons attract most of the
beginning. visitors.
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The desolated landscape and scoria formations seen through a gap in the standing walls.
Below left: View of the inner slopes with steam and gases arising from miriads of fissures.
Below right: Steaming fumarole near Troup Head with the sea in the background.
After the second World War the scientific value White Island is renowned for unexpected
of White Island was finally acknowledged. In 1953 volcanic events. That means scientists dont have
it was declared a private scenic reserve and in 1995 days, weeks or even months to predict major
access has been restricted. Unauthorized landing events, but in most cases only few hours. Still
is not allowed, there is a daily limited number of time enough to evacuate the island. The volcanic
people who can visit the island and all have to activity is permanently monitored, not only for
acquire permits. The time spent on the island is safety reasons, but also for scientific purposes.
also limited and only small groups are allowed Few live cameras are covering the critical spots,
under constant supervision. temperature and composition of the gases are
Risk management is paramount. Safety helmets measured in tens of the main vents, the crater lake
are compulsory and everyone gets also a gas is also monitored and there is a seismic station
mask to use if needed (and now and again you on the island as well. Live data is transmitted to
summary
really need one). The small groups are scattered the mainland labs of the Institute of Geological
on throughout the island, so in case of a minor and Nuclear Sciences and analyzed there. Any
volcanic event the tour operator doesnt have significant change in any of the measured
all the eggs in one basket. I guess anything can parametres is triggering an alarm and the situation
happen at any time, but after visiting the island I is assessed immediately. Quite interesting stuff
can say that I felt safe at all times. even for a layman.
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This hell is not lifeless! contain in a dissolved state all known chemical
Even if it provides a desolated landscape the elements or their compounds, however, most of
island is not lifeless. In fact you are out for quite them in infinitesimal, merely detectable amounts.
a surprise. I had my readings on the vegetation The vascular vegetation is quite interesting.
on White Island even before deciding to visit it, Depauperate, but one of a kind. First of all the
and even more after making that decision. In fact vegetation succession rules do not function at all
I was trying to be aware of things that I might here. Most of the vegetation is still in the primary
have missed otherwise during the tour. The succesion phase, even species that normally would
cited literature does not include references on be regarded as secondary or tertiary succesion
microscopic or bacterial life, only on vertebrates species. And, on long term, essential was the
and vascular plants. However, these life forms are struggle of species to survive, contradicting all
visibly present. theories of primary succesion sequence. The
I havent seen lichens, fungi and mosses (this number of vascular plant species ever recorded on
does not mean that they couldnt live on the the island is very small (19 in total) and even after
boulders next to the shore) but definitely I have settled periods of the late 1800s and early 1900s
seen algae and a slimy organic film in a small no more than 10 species have been recorded
waterflow originating from a geyser. This is quite in 1912 (Oliver, 1915) and no more than 13 at a
surprising as the water is very acidic (pH2, same as time (in 1967). After few major volcanic events
summary
the lemon juice) and quite hot around 45o Celsius. following since, and especially after the tumultous
Burns (1994 ex Cassie & Cooper, 1989) mentions 1976-1991 period, the number of species found
that Cyanidium caldarium and other diatoms has been halved. But the very few herbs must
(monocellular algae living in large colonies) have have been available in abundance as in the early
been observed in hot water pools near the crater, mining days even few sheep were kept (Clarkson
so this must be what Ive seen. The small streams & Clarkson, 1994 ex Parham, 1973).
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Established Metrosideros scrub which seems
unharmed.
summary
Metrosideros excelsa
The dominant species is phutukawa (Metrosideros must have changed, seed has been produced
excelsa) which forms dense and almost monotypic and dispersed in the area, as I noted quite a large
scrub and young forest patches of vegetation number of seedlings and very young plants on
on the outer slopes of the cone, in sheltered the slopes near Troup Head (in the continuation
positions. A 1986 survey showed that from ca. 48 of the lahar plateau), but not in other sites. In
ha of Metrosideros scrub and young forest half the dense vegetation patches I wasnt able to tell
was destroyed, with older plants being dead or anyway from the distance. We didnt sail around
badly damaged but resprouting from epicormic the island, but while leaving I noted large patches
buds (6) (Clarkson, 1990; Clarkson & Clarkson of dense scrub and young forest on the slopes
summary
1994). According to Burns (1994) only 5% of the between Troup Head and North East Point but
Metrosideros forest survived after the initial also, closer to Troup Head, dead phutukawa
shock. Clarkson (1990) also noted that some of the trees surrounded by new growth.
plants carried seed capsules, possibly from the However, regrowth and expansion of Metro-
December 1985 flowering, but no seedlings have sideros excelsa doesnt happen very fast. Burns
been sighted. During the following years things (1994) provides a pertinent explanation. He
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Regenerating Metrosideros scrub after being
wiped out.
summary
Detail right: Aerial photograph of White Island
(Whakaari) in the Bay of Plenty, The North Island,
New Zealand.
observed that the apices of many epicormic processes such as photosynthesis, suffocating the
shoots were dead, with a second epicormic shoots plants.
developing underneath from old wood. Such a Clarkson (1990) also mentions early reports
layering of the epicromic shoots delivered a bushy stating that fumes could control the distribution
growth form but at a slower pace. and extent of the Metrosideros scrub and young
An aerial photograph taken in February 2012 by forest, which is quite pertinent (see the dense
the The Ardmore Pilot (above) shows the northern vegetation on the sheltered north outer slope).
slopes covered by large areas of obviously However, he also mentions the acid rain as
summary
expanding phutukawa scrub and young forest. a possible cause, but this doesnt match in my
The cause of death was hard to determine. Clarkson opinion the very localized events:
(1990) states there was no evident damage caused I have seen an utterly destroyed phutukawa
by blast or heat, with most branches remaining section only 300 metres from a thiving patch
intact in most dead specimens. He suggests wet of vegetation that seemed to be completely
ashes coating leaves could interfere with vital unharmed.
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Sparingly vegetated outcrop with a surprisingly
composite vegetation: Einadia trigonos ssp.
summary
trigonos, Disphyma australe ssp. australe, and few
miniature specimens of Poa anceps, Metrosideros
excelsa and Phormium tenax.
Detail right: Anothyer slope with numerous
scattered vegetation patches consisting of
Einadia trigonos ssp. trigonos, Disphyma australe
ssp. australe, Poa anceps, and a splendid
Metrosideros excelsa young shrublet in the fore-
ground
other species noted in each of the 6 vegetation confirms this is a monotypic vegetation patch.
surveys since 1912 to 1990. I knew there are large The massive Disphyma mats at the gannet
masses surrounding the large gannet breeding breeding colony called into question another myth
colony on the old camp site plateau (Ohauora), about Disphyma - that acid bird droppings, when
so my first care before landing was to locate it. It washed out by heavy rain, can quickly destroy
wasnt hard at all as the green patches were visible massive patches of plants. I was really split, it
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Disphyma australe ssp. australe growing between A Disphyma australe ssp. australe very stressed
boulders. A perfect setup: moisture accumulations when growing on concrete slabs of the ore
in the mineral rich volcanic ashes and acidic processing factory
environment (substrate included).
A Disphyma australe ssp. australe mound consisting Disphyma australe ssp. australe, particularly stressed
of two distinct plants, growing between boulders specimens.
on a substrate consisting mostly of fist sized stones
and rock rubble.
could have made sense for some plants but not state, or gusts of acid fumes could have played an
necessarily for Disphyma. I previously saw rather important role here. As mentined above, few were
small patches of Disphyma in similar situations also growing on the inner rock face of Troup Head.
(notably at Muriwai) but there was still room for I havent seen any flowers, of course highly
doubt in my mind. Now, seeing this I am convinced unlikely at this time of the year (April, which is
that, on the contrary, Disphyma may even benefit autumn in the southern hemisphere) but few
from the acid and high Nitrogen content of the seed capsules were visible. Only a few pointing
bird droppings. It surely survived also the acid out maybe the lack of pollinators but definitely
rain or similar events on the island. seed has been scattered in the area in the past
But still I wanted to see them close. Almost and will be also scattered in the future. Another
immediately after landing at Crater Bay and observation this local form is the biggest I have
climbing up the plateau I noted the first patches, seen in this species so far, having strong stems and
small but relatively numerous, growing between longer and thicker leaves than usual. The stems
boulders or in the remains of the 1923 factory. are only just a bit reddish on occasion (reduced
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Some were happy (with plenty of moisture amounts of betanine) which suggests that flowers
available between and under the boulders) some could be white, not the usual pale pink. This I
were particularly stressed, especially few patches dont know for sure. After Metrosideros excelsa
growing in cracks, with virtually no soil available, this is the second species forming here monotypic
in the ruins of the former factory. I dont know vegetation patches and seems to be growing
if lack of moisture was the only reason for their almost everywhere near the shore.
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The odd casuals by sea currents (I have seen this species on Ohope
Burns (1994) found in a partial survey of the flora beach, near Whakatane).
during his December 1993 trip no bryophytes, A special discovery of the 1990 survey was
lichens or terrestrial algae, and only 4 of the vascular Asplenium northlandicum - probably a recent
plant species listed by Clarkson & Clarkson (1994). introduction as well although common in North
He also couldnt find Paronychia brasiliana, a small Island coastal habitats.
adventive herb found during the 1990 survey at Burns (1994) observed it on the cliffs at
Crater Bay, suggesting that this species must have Troup Head so this could be another touristic
been introduced by the visitors (perhaps via earth introduction. In 1985, at the site of a dead
traces on the shoe soles) but couldnt survive in Metrosideros excelsa forest a single fern Histiopteris
such a harsh environment. This could have been incisa managed to survive, only to disappear
the case with several other species seen on and completely in 1990 (Clarkson, 1990; Clarkson &
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off, such as Cakile maritima (recorded only in 1949), Clarkson, 1994). However, Burns (1994) reports that
Cirsium vulgare (recorded only in 1967), Coniza during the partial survey Paul Jensen rediscovered
albida (recorded in 1949 and 1967) and Coronopus Histiopteris incisa in its original 1985 location. He
didymus (recorded only in 1967). Of all, Cakile also mentions several Phormium tenax growing on
maritima has actually the biggest chances to set the northern slopes in steep gullies or on rocks,
foot on White Island, as its seeds can be dispersed that were observed from the sea.
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macroptera) have breeding colonies on the island, availability in vegetated areas of the island. As
but except few gannets guarding the deserted mentioned above, weve seen butterflies! Kiore,
colony I havent seen any. Such a remote island the Polinesian rat (Rattus exulans) is alo present
is actually an ideal breeding ground. But more here, quite common near seabird colonies as they
incredible is the passerine fauna. In times of low usually prey their eggs, even if their diet is more
volcanic disturbances the European sparrow varied.
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A last look to the steam emissions while sailing
along the coast.
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Farewell, Whakaari!
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Xerophilia Special Issue, No. 5, February 2015
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ISSN 2285-3987