New Zealand flora

Described as an ‘ancient life-raft’, New Zealand has plants and animals that are particularly special.

80 million years of isolation has resulted in 1,865 endemic plant species. Each has evolved in a distinctive way to attract the unique insects, birds and animals that pollinate them.

Land of the long white cloud

From windswept mountain ranges and glaciers to sub-tropical ravines, this archipelago has a large range of habitats. Noted for its majestic evergreen forests of southern beech (Nothofagus), podocarps and enormous Kauri Trees (Agathis), New Zealand is also home to many ferns, shrubs, mosses and lichens.

Invasive species are a serious problem; many conservation programmes now help protect the native flora and fauna.

Look familiar?
You may have Phormium, Hebe or Olearia in your garden. Did you know these plants are from New Zealand?

Back up to: temperate house plants

On to: Phormium tenax