Bushmansfriend

Take the time to have a close look.

2012-01-07T09:40:00.001+13:00

Takethe time to have a close look.

I love being in my garden and getting joyand inspiration from what I see around me. However, we can give too muchattention to appreciating the macro ornamental elements of our gardens ratherthan having a close look at the plants themselves.

Another world opens if you have a closelook at what is happening within the plants that structure the ornamental garden.Take the time to observe carefully many of the elements that make plants. Thebeauty in close observation can be unsurpassed. Pick a leaf, flower or any partand have a close look. Hold it in your hand as if you are reading a book. Finda word for the part that you see. An understanding of plant parts and the waytheir form influences the plants overall function will make you a bettergardener, and more appreciative of the wonders inherent in plants.

Consider the two images of Metrosideros excelsa pohutukawa, a treenative to

New Zealand

Thespectacular inflorescence of pohutukawa blaze red in summer. They can becomposed of dozens of individual flowers, each with their distinctive redstamens. A prettyimage best viewed from a distance so the entire tree and its vibrant flowerscan be appreciated. Ilove the reflection in the water.

One flower of the inflorescence held in the hand and now I’m having a close look. The floral cup holds the sweet fluid called nectar that is rich in sugars and a prime food for many insects and birds. Note the petals, sepals and stamens radiating from the rim.

There's just so much going on here once you take the closer view. The five red petals, five green stamens, both with small hairs on their margins, the way in which the crimson stamens arise from the edge of the floral cup, the single central style and the ant feeding on nectar. It’s more than pretty. It’s wonderful. I know which photo spins my wheels.

Pohutukawa Flowering Season

2011-12-20T09:51:00.000+13:00

What an amazing season of Pohutukawa flowering we are having here at Whangaroa Harbour. This year I noticed that the individual trees that open their flowers first, usually mid or late November failed to open. By early December one or two trees were beginning to open. Then a week of torrid rain, no sun and still the the majority of trees delayed their display. However, late last week the weather cleared, the sun came out and the flower blooms opened. Hundreds of trees around the harbour are today flowering in unison. The first 2 photos were taken this morning.

Cape Horn and the Patchwork barn

Behind the not a shop and wharf the trees were vibrant this morning

Some trees were on fire!!

and even the wild life appreciated the display.

New Zeal Land

2011-12-04T16:22:00.001+13:00

New Zeal land

I read about the worlds most expensive photo from here http://www.australianphotography.com/news/world-s-most-expensive-photo.and now here's my version of similar.
This one I think is just as good or maybe even better.
Its called New Zeal Land.

It says a lot in a minimal way. The image is an allegory or metaphor for the New Zealandcondition. Peering through and looking at where our place is in the world.North/south vertical of our Geography with black for sports. The sea, sky, bushfringed hills,the green paddock and a boat.

Vote for Surfr

2011-11-24T13:13:00.001+13:00

As well as this nature blog I also publish my surfing photos at http://surfr.blogspot.com/ This site is one of the finalists in "The bloggers" The search for New Zealand's best on line writers. So why not do me a favour and go to the link below and vote for my Surfr: Surfnature Blog

http://auckland.concreteplayground.co.nz/thebloggers/vote/design-and-photography/

Cordyline banksii ti ngahere, forest cabbage tree

2011-11-13T09:48:00.001+13:00

Forest cabbage tree is a shrub or small tree reaching to 4–6m high, usually with several stems. As a young plant this species is moresuggestive of flax with its long, drooping leaves. The leaves are 1–2.5 m longby 4–10 cm wide and droop towards the tips; they have a long, channelled orfluted stalk, and the midrib is orange-brown. The parallel bands of yellow andgreen on the leaves make the plant a striking garden feature. The fragrantwhite flowers arise in large, rather open panicles, up to 1–2 m long. Evenquite small plants will flower. The berry, 1 cm wide, is white or purplish-blue.The seeds are 2 mm in diameter, glossy, with two sides flat and one convex.

Forest cabbage tree is foundfrom North Cape to Marlborough and Westland in coastal,lowland and montane forests. This cabbage tree prefers damp situations and is moreoften encountered in forest margins, scrub or deeper forest, seldom in the open.

Flowers are in large droopingpanicles composed of individual racemes. Flowers are sessile (without a stem)The central stigma is split into three (trifid) Stamens are the same length asthe white tepals.

The Coleptera beetle/weevilpollinating the flowers of ti ngahere I identify as Scoloptera aequus.

Pollination by insects.Including wasps, bees, ants, beetles, moths, butterflies, crickets and fliesamongst others is called Entopmophily. (Gr. entomos: insect, philos: friend, loved)

Dracophyllum latifolium: New growth flushes red

2011-11-10T12:03:00.001+13:00

Dracophyllum latifolium

neinei

Ericaceae

Neinei. Newgrowth flushes red in contrast to older leaves.

Dracophyllumtrees or shrubs possess a striking and unusual form. They are members of theEpacris family, which is almost wholly confined to New Zealand, Australiaand New Caledonia.Other members of the family include Leucopogon, Gaultheria and Archeria. Theyhave various forms ranging from cushion or prostrate plants to shrubs and smalltrees.
The trees and shrubs make a strong contrast in the forests and shrublands withtheir strong upright symmetry, reddish-purple undersides of their leaves, andthe flush of red on the new growth.
Neinei is a tree up to 7 m, with a trunk up to 30 cm in diameter and a rough,brown bark. The candelabra-like branches carry at their tips large glossyleaves in dense clusters, measuring 25–60 cm long by 2.5–3.3 cm wide. Numeroussmall, reddish flowers arise in a panicle, 14–45 cm long, from the centre ofthe leaf tuft.
The species is found in montane forests from Mangonui to North Taranaki and Mahia Peninsula.It commonly occurs in the northern kauri forests.

Neinei isan astonishing plant that captures an ambience of primitive grandeur. It is oneof the few dicotyledonous flowering plants with parallel veins on the leaf,usually a characteristic of the monocotyledon grasses. This feature is thereason for its common name of grass tree.

Tui In The Kowhai

2011-09-16T09:33:00.001+12:00

Its been a bumper year for Kowhai flowering. I snapped this yesterday of the New Zealand Tui on the top of the tree. They prance around as if they are master of the tree.

Note the drop of nectar on the birds beak. Its images like this that keep me interested in gardening (and photography)

A plot of toilets

2011-06-24T10:05:00.000+12:00

One of the interesting parts of roaming through the Northland bush is you never know what you may find. Pig-hunters, dope growers, lovers, botanists, tourists, criminals, possum catchers and the general public use the forest for various things. When I was way back in the bush botanising and checking out where that creek came from, I thought I had wandered upon someones (old) Marijuana plot but was really surprised to find it was a plot of toilets. They are surrounded by a fence of crayfish-Lobster-pots that keeps out roaming stock. I particularly like the green one that has a cistern also made of porcelain................I love living in Totara North.

Click the photos for a better look

Botanical Photo of the day

2011-06-17T13:10:00.048+12:00

I often find myself at this site Botanical photo of the day It presents some of the best botanical photography around with encouraging and stimulating articles. I have been fortunate enough to have two of my photos displayed.

Flowers of Puriri

Photo of puriri with the cavernous corolla.There is an arched upper and a deflexed three lobed lower lip. The opening of the Corolla is termed "ringent" .

Flowers of Knightia excelsa rewarewa

Rewarewa has one of the most beautiful inflorescences of the New Zealand flora. Close observation shows the intricate architecture of the flower.

The flower is clothed in red-brown velvety hairs. The photo shows the long and central stigma. The anthers are yellow and attached by their base to each of the four sepals.

I submit the photos from my flickr site and this group

Waireinga Falls-Leaping water

2011-04-19T17:41:00.001+12:00

Waireinga Falls-Leaping water in Maori. European name is Bridal veil falls.
Te Mata Raglan New Zealand.
A beautiful spot and walk through a scenic reserve. About 261 steps to the bottom of the falls. A highlight of any trip to Raglan.

This Maori warrior greets us and asks us to"Tread Lightly"

Waireinga falls. I like the maori name best. Wairenga translated as 'leaping water' rather than the English Bridal Veil falls. Wairenga describes the water perfectly where as a brides veil is fairly nondescript and comparative with something else not obvious.

Cordate and obcordate (heart-shaped) leaves explained.

2011-03-19T14:56:00.004+13:00

obcordate ob-kor’dat adj.

(L. ob-: toward, for, about, before, inversely, opposed to; cor, cordis: the heart)

Heart shaped with notch at the apex.

Muehlenbeckia astonii mingimingi with their heart-shaped leaves. The slender and flexuous divaricating branches produce leaves in widely spaced fascicles

cordate kor-dat adj.

cordiform kor’de-form adj.

(L. cor, cordis: the heart; forma: shape )

Heart shaped with the notch at the base.

Macropiper excelsum kawakawa.The heart shaped leaf with palmate venation of 5-8 nerves.

For more explanations of botanical jargon check out http://plant-phytography.blogspot.com/

Coprosma spathulata

2011-03-05T10:56:00.005+13:00

Coprosma spathulata is a shrub with a distribution confined to North Island from Te Paki south to about Waitomo/Gisborne.

The characteristic spoon shaped leaves with reddish, winged petioles and emarginate-retuse (notched) leaf apices.

The branches and branchlets are slender and widely spaced.

Like all Coprosma, the species is dioecious with separate male and female plants. An interesting feature is the drupe may be black or orange-red with black flecks.

description from here

Pollination

2011-01-15T09:57:00.001+13:00

The process of Pollination.

A bee probes the floral cup with it's proboscis to drink the nectar.

The floral cup holds the sweet fluid called nectar that is rich in sugars and a prime food for many insects and birds.

The plant benefits by having the bee spread the flowers pollen. The minute pollen grains are found within the anthers. The pollen adheres to the bee's hairs.

Metrosideros perforata

shrubby rata

Myrtaceae

January

Calystegia marginata. Small-flowered white bindweed

2011-01-14T15:45:00.001+13:00

This naturally uncommon and endemic convolvulaceae has recently taken my eye.
I had been walking past it for the past 22 years and only last week recognised the plant for what it is. I had heard it was around the district and was thrilled to discover it only 400 metres from my gate.
This perennial vine is only found on the Northland -Taitokerau- Peninsula and Cuvier Island. The small arrow shaped-sagittate-bright green leaves and white flowers are quite unusual for a New Zealand native plant. It is a hardy plant that does well on rock walls or on a grassy bank only in the warmest coastal environments. This individual is growing amongst gully fern- Blechnum capense on the side of a bush track in Kauri Forest at Totara North.

The sagittate-shaped leaf is typical of convolvulus

The Corolla is pure white and held on a 4 sided and slightly winged stem that is termed a peduncle

Orca in Whangaroa Harbour

2011-01-07T09:23:00.000+13:00

Yesterday a dozen or so Orca Whales visited Whangaroa Harbour

This guy went right under the boat

Pohutukawa rocks water Orca

Around the point then out to Sea.

Native Berries of New Zealand by Fanny Osbourne

2010-12-29T14:55:00.002+13:00

I'm not sure of the history of this print that is in the Kaeo Museum. Its from about 1910 and probably an extra to a newspaper publication.It says on bottom LHS printed in New Zealand by the Brett printing company Auckland New Zealand. Artist is Fanny Osbourne.

A classical interpretation of New Zealand flora.

From 12 o'clock then in a Clockwise direction: Unknown red berries, Macropiper excelsum kawakawa spikes, pink-white berry of Melicytus macrophyllus, Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, kahikatea arils, unknown red berry, orange Corynocarpus laevigatus karaka, Lophomyrtus foliage, Rubus fruits, red fruits of supplejack, kiekie fruits , Astelia fruits, unknown white berry, Taraire drupes, poroporo berries, Gaultheria antipoda foliage and berry, Pigeonwood foliage and berry, purple fruits of Fuchsia excorticata -konini,

Dextrorse & Sinistrorse

2010-12-15T16:03:00.000+13:00

Dextrorse dek’strors is from The Latin dexter: on the right hand side, to the right. Twining helically in a clockwise, right-handed orientation when viewed from above.

Microsorum scandens mokimoki Polypodiaceae

This fern uses its rhizome to climb trees or rocks.

Sinistrorse sin’i-strors is from the Latin: sinistro: towards the left. Bending or twining in a left-handed or anti-clockwise orientation when looking from above.

Ripogonum scandens supple jack Ripogonaceae

Twisting around a double trunk of Phyllocladus trichomanoides tanekaha. Looking from above this vine is bending in a left-handed or anti-clockwise orientation.

No trees no fish no people

2010-12-12T11:16:00.001+13:00

Sign on the Kaeo Northland New Zealand Fish'n'chip shop says it all.

Put yourself in the big Picture

The sign refers to Maori kaitiaki- guardians of the elements.

Raa: The sun, Tawhirimatea: The weather-winds, Tanemahuta: The forests, Papatuanuku: The mother earth , Tangaroa: Guardian of the sea.

Reaction wood, compression wood and tension wood explained

2010-12-08T11:16:00.000+13:00

Reaction wood is the term for wood formed in branches of trees in order to maintain them in the appropriate position.

Beilschmiedia taraire Lauraceae tarairi.

This twist of asymmetric spiralling growth on the inclined branch is the result of mechanical stress forcing the cambium to be more active on one side than another.

Compression wood is formed on the lower side of branches and is a characteristic of conifers.

Podocarpus totara totara Podocarpaceae

In conifers compression wood occurs on the lower side of branches. This thickening gives the branch support.

Tension wood is type of wood formed in the axil branches of flowering trees.

Kunzea ericoides kanuka Myrtaceae.

Tension wood is rich in cellulose and forms a supporting ridge above the lateral branch, giving support and holding the branch upright.

Parsonsia New Zealand Jasmine

2010-11-30T11:09:00.002+13:00

The New Zealand Jasmine are of the Genera Parsonsia and the family Apocynaceae. Three species are recognised. Parsonsia heterophylla and Parsonsia capsularis are found as forest marginal species throughout New Zealand. Parsonsia praeruptis is endemic to the Surville Cliffs of North Cape.
Parsonsia heterophylla and P. capsularis differ in the structure of the inflorescence. The flowers are fragrant. Both species show variation of leaf form. They are hardy climbers that are at home in any New Zealand garden.

Parsonsia capsularis

This slender liane climbs over small trees and shrubs. Photo shows the variability of the coriaceous leaves that range from linear- lanceolate. Note the smaller flowers of this species

Parsonsia heterophylla

The cylindrical follicle will split along one side to release many wind dispersed seeds.

Parsonsia heterophylla

The seed is topped by a coma of white and silky hairs.

Parsonsia heterophylla

In this species the cymes produce flowers that are arranged on only one side of the panicle. This is termed second.

Urtica: The stinging nettles

2010-11-23T11:08:00.000+13:00

The stinging nettles belong to the family Urticaceae

Urtica ferox is common throughout the country as far south as Otago. It is a shrub to 2m. armed with stinging hairs. It is best avoided as touching the stinging hairs can lead to a fierce sting that can cause serious reaction in humans.

A close up shot of the hairs reveals the fierce needle-like point of the stinging hairs that can be found along the stem, petiole and leaf blade.

Urtica australis is endemic to Fiordland, Chathams, Stewart and Subantarctic islands.

Urtica incisa is also found in Australia as well as the main New Zealand Islands. It lives on forest margins and other shadey spots.

Youtube video of Urtica ferox attacking man.

Native Plant Photo Competition

2010-11-14T16:27:00.002+13:00

Bushmansfriend on Facebook asks for entries in the Bushmansfriend inaugural "Native Plant Photo Contest". Just go to Bushmansfriend Facebook page & attach a photo taken by you of a native plant and explain why you consider the photo to be special. Its open to everyone around the world and not limited to New Zealand plants only. Winner will receive a signed copy of my Book "Plant Heritage New Zealand". Competition closes December 17 2010

Metrosideros Kermadecensis

Leptospermum scoparium manuka flowers

2010-11-10T10:41:00.002+13:00

Manuka flowers.
When my book "Plant Heritage New Zealand" was being edited and put together the editor rang in a panic a day or two before final day. One of my supplied photos of manuka wasn't up to it size wise and could I supply another. I went out and quickly took this from a plant growing up the driveway. It was the final photo I submitted for the book. It eventually ended up being on the back cover. Many people commented it was great shot. I even heard someone had drawn a watercolour picture of this. Colleen McHardy from Waihi Beach!

Strange how things happen.
You can check out the Book "Plant Heritage New Zealand" from here

Dolphins at Whangaroa

2010-10-15T09:55:00.000+13:00

Cyathea dealbata: New Zealand's Silver Fern.

2010-10-14T10:02:00.004+13:00

Cyathea dealbata

silver fern.

Cyatheaceae

Named from the Latin: dealbate, dealbatus: to whiten

In this case the underside of the frond is whitened with a white powder or minute pubescence.

The emblem of New Zealand.

From about the 1840's New Zealand was known as a land of ferns. Charles Darwin on his voyage to New Zealand in 1839 commented upon the lack of grasses on open land and the abundance of ferns. The rich diversity of the New Zealand bush also reinforces this image. The Silverfern is endemic-found only-in New Zealand and is common throughout the country from lowland to mountains. The silver/white image is a strong contrast to the black of many New Zealand sports teams.

"The Silver Fern was originally adopted by the New Zealand Native Rugby Team which visited England in 1888 and has since formed part of the uniform (or badge) of successive representative sporting teams. From the early 1900s the fern leaf has been used as a trademark for meat and dairy exports. On 18 May 1908, to mark the attainment of Dominion status, the Secretary of State for Colonies approved the New Zealand Government's proposal to substitute a wreath of fern leaves for the laurel wreath on the Governor's Ensign. This usage, also, continued until about 1935. The fern leaf has been used as a distinguishing badge for New Zealand military formations, particularly during the Second World War, and was also used to mark the graves of New Zealand servicemen in overseas countries. In the most recent revision (1963) of the New Zealand Coat of Arms, two fern leaves provide a base for the supporters to stand upon.

There is no question that the Silver Fern is the most recognised symbol of New Zealand. For over a century the Silver Fern has been the emblem of our sports men and women. The Silver Fern is used extensively as a symbol by Government, tourism, trade organisations and commercial brands. The Silver Fern says "New Zealand"."

From http://www.squidoo.com/NZSilverFern

Tree Ferns survive fire

2010-09-14T16:12:00.002+12:00

Last summer was one of the driest recorded for Northland. Fire was a constant threat. In February there was a large and intense fire that destroyed many acres of ill-kept scrub land next to Kerikeri airport.
I was driving past the other day and noticed that the charred remains of mamaku Cyathea medullaris were sprouting strongly. Nearly all the vegetation existing before the fire failed to survive. This was was mainly kanuka and manuka scrub.

It seems obvious the caudex- trunk- of this tree fern is an adaption to survive fire. The meristem or growth point is well protected by the thick, fibrous and pithy trunk.
The verdant new growth makes a welcome site after the starkness of the destroyed vegetation.

Dolphins on the starboard bow

2010-08-28T09:57:00.000+12:00

We were out cruising Whangaroa Harbour on the houseboat Maple Leaf one morning last week when a pod of Dolphins came to check us out.

Phytography: Botanical word of the day explained

2010-08-27T11:17:00.001+12:00

I have begun a new blog. The blog is called "Phytography: Botanical word of the day explained."

Phytography

(Gr. phyton: plant; grapho: to write) The branch of botany that deals with the descriptive terminology of plants and their parts. It provides the vocabulary for plant description, identification, and classification.

This blog presents a daily botanical word with an explanation of the word, its meaning and a photograph that demonstrates the term.

Check it out from here

Caudate

cauda ko’da n. pl caudae, ko’di caudate ko’dat adj. (L. cauda: the tail of an animal)

A tail like appendage.

Pterostylis agathicola kauri greenhood orchid Orchidaceae September

Leaves and perianth apices strike a fierce pose.

Check it out from here

Terns

2010-08-17T20:27:00.000+12:00

Terns are a common site around the harbour. They chase the small fish that the kahawai round up. "Follow the birds" is the call of every fisherman.

Caspian terns are shy and hangout away from people.

White fronted terns. Gregarious and not shy. These photos were taken at the Totara North boat ramp.

Haekaro and waxeye

2010-08-05T15:34:00.000+12:00

Haekaro Pittosporum umbellatum is heavy with flower today. Waxeyes are busy visiting the flowers to drink the nectar. The coastal Pittosporum is named for the way the inflorescence is structured. An umbel is where the stems of the flowers radiate from a central core- much like the arms of an umbrella.

Southern right whale

2010-08-04T16:51:00.000+12:00

We went for a walk on the weekend to Mahinepua. What a thrill to see a Southern Right Whale and it's calf only 40 metres from the beach. It was huge. About 15 metres I would guess. It wandered around the bay for the three hours we were there. Amazing

Check out the size in relation to the house

Dolphins Playing

2010-07-31T15:29:00.000+12:00

Dolphins playing at Mahinepua Whangaroa

Australasian Gannet Sula bassana serrator

2010-07-26T15:24:00.000+12:00

Went fishing to no avail but ended up with a few photos of the resident Gannet.

Pied Stilts

2010-07-24T10:30:00.000+12:00

Pied Stilt Himantopus himantopus leucocephalus

How about a Shag?

2010-07-22T14:36:00.000+12:00

Three species of Shag or Cormorant spend their time in Whangaroa Harbour.

Great Cormorant with young on nest and Pied Cormorant. The two species seemed quite comfortable together. There was a flock of Royal Spoonbills sitting with these guys. They took off as soon as they spied a person with a camera.

Little Black Cormorant on a pole at Totara North boat ramp

Pied Cormorant and nest. Note the blue eye ring.

Kereru in the kowhai

2010-07-18T14:07:00.000+12:00

I'm sure it was the same bird that appeared this time last year. I've named it Vernon after it's verdant green colour. How do you tell the gender of the pigeon?

Bird Photography

2010-07-12T11:53:00.000+12:00

I've been branching out and focusing on bird photography recently. Check out more of the photos from this site

Great Cormorant Phala crocorax carbo

Everything you ever wanted to know about identifying NZ Coprosma

2010-07-05T10:00:00.001+12:00

A key to Coprosma species of New Zealand.

David Glenny, Jane Cruickshank & Jeremy Rolfe

This Lucid 3 interactive key will allow you to identify any of the 53 species of Coprosma currently recognised in New Zealand.The key is illustrated with 500 images of species and the features used to identify them and has a factsheet for each species that provides a list of distinct features, comparisons with similar species, description, habitat and distribution details, and references to literature.

The key is designed for those with some experience in plant identification and will allow species to be identified without fruit being present. A glossary is linked to each factsheet to help the user understand the terminology used in the factsheets

The TFBIS (Terrestrial & Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) Programme fully funded this project.

Check it out from here

Coprosma spathulata

Dysoxylum spectabile Kohekohe flowers

2010-06-15T16:17:00.003+12:00

It's almost the middle of winter and the time of Kohekohe flowering. The flowers are highly scented as well as creating an attractive sight when little else is in bloom.

Panicles of tubular drooping flowers grow directly from the trunk of the tree. The central tube of the flowers is a made of united stamens and is termed the staminal tube. The petals are greenish white.

A closer look reveals the central disc-shaped stigma surrounded by 8-10 anthers connected to the inner side of the staminal tube.

Blackback gulls

2010-06-12T15:35:00.001+12:00

Blackback gulls at the rivermouth.

Coromandel Gold

2010-06-09T19:52:00.002+12:00

The real Coromanel gold found at the end of the rainbow.

Metrosideros kermadecensis

2010-06-05T15:24:00.001+12:00

A spray of Metrosideros kermadecensis.

Raupo Typha orientalis

2010-05-19T09:37:00.001+12:00

Raupo is a bulrush, growing to 1–3 m tall, usually in large colonies. The

leaves are 2 m long and up to 3 cm wide. They hang from a single seed spike,

2.5 cm wide, cylindrical and chocolate brown. The flower spike may

be female or be separated by a gap of up to 3 cm from the males, usually on

the same stem of the inflorescence. Female flowers are very much smaller

than the males. The yellow seed is a follicle 1.2 mm long.with a terminal parachute.

Raupo is distributed in marshy places and in swamps, streams and

lakes in the Kermadec Islands and throughout the North and South

Islands from coastal to lower montane regions.

The spindle shaped and wind dispersed follicle that holds the single seed.

The cylindrical spike that holds the many seeds

The leaves are light and strong and were used to make kites.

Miromiro North Island Tomtit

2010-05-15T15:31:00.002+12:00

A Miromiro or Tomtit Petroica macrocephala has been visiting this week. The photos are taken from the office computer looking out the window. This guy seems particularly inquisitive, looked me in the eye a few times, but he never stayed more than about 10 seconds. They characteristically flitter from shrub to shrub in search of insects.

Kauri Agathis australis female cone

2010-05-10T11:54:00.003+12:00

I sometimes receive questions about the cone and seed of kauri Agathis australis. There seems to be confusion about exactly what are the seeds. The seeds are found within the cone, sandwiched between the cone scales or bracts.

This female cone has fallen from the tree and releases the seeds that are slotted between the bracts. Usually the cone disintegrates on the tree. If you can pick the cone from the tree- not always an easy proposition- then they will disintegrate within a week or two. I place the cone in a brown paper bag in a sunny spot.

The ovoid female cone with cone scales each with a projecting point.

The winged seed of kauri.The wing aids wind dispersal of the seed and acts as a wick in absorbing the water necessary for germination. Seed is only viable for a month or two after release.

The Aril of Alectryon excelsa titoki

2010-04-22T13:32:00.001+12:00

The black, lustrous seeds are displayed in the fleshy aril. The genus name refers to the Greek: alectryon: A cock, in reference to the red arils’ resemblance to a rooster’s comb.

Kereru in the Nikau

2010-03-26T08:35:00.003+13:00

The New Zealand wood pigeon Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae kereru, kukupa, feeding on the fruits of Rhopalostylis sapida nikau palm. This site is one of those special moments one sees in the New Zealand bush.

Northland NZ for Aussies

2010-03-16T13:14:00.003+13:00

Welcome to Northland for Aussies.
Bazza's become a bit of an expert on all things Kiwi in Northland, New Zealand. So he's put together a Guide full of corker tips for all me Aussies mates out there. Follow these little rippers and bobs yer uncle. Too easy

Whangaroa Houseboat Holidays- 1 of the world's 6 best houseboat experiencess

2010-03-02T09:13:00.002+13:00

According to the newspaper "The Times" of London Whangaroa Houseboat is one of the world's best houseboat experiences. Its a great write up and the lead photo is of Maple Leaf in Rere Bay with Okahumoko behind. Its great to receive this free European "thumbs up" for the business and reiterates that Bushmansfriend and the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour offers a world class holiday experience.

You can read the article from here

or make a booking and check out our website from here

Pohutukawa leaf fossilised on the road

2010-02-09T14:51:00.002+13:00

Just by the boat ramp, the road takes a tight bend beneath a large and old pohutukawa tree. Here the leaves fall on the road and gradually get squashed into the warm and soft tar and gravel that seals the road. They look a lot like fossils.

Myoporum laetum Ngaio

2010-01-17T13:02:00.005+13:00

Myoporum laetum Ngaio

A coastal shrub to 10m.tall. However, there are some forms that are prostrate.

The fruit is a purple ovoid drupe.

The flower of ngaio is campanulate (bell shaped), purple spotted, with small hairs that surround the floral tube. Note the purple spots on the petals.

The obvious pellucid glands on the leaf are a diagnostic feature of this coastal species.

Leucopogon fasciculatus mingimingi

2010-01-10T10:08:00.004+13:00

Leucopogon fasciculatus = Cyathodes fasiculatus

Family: Epacridaceae

Mingimingi is an open-branched, spreading shrub to 5–6 m tall, varying in habit according to exposure, with narrow leaves 1–2.5 cm long by 2–4 mm wide, arranged in bundles or whorls on slender black stems. Small flowers arise on drooping racemes or spikes in spring, each with 6–12 small creamy flowers. The small red or pink berries occur in strings in autumn, with one seed per berry. Mingimingi is a plant of coastal and lowland scrub or forest from the Three Kings Islands to Canterbury, often found in drier areas and rocky places.

The leaves may have between 3 and 7 linear nerves.
The berries turn red pink on maturation
The small flowers with many tiny hairs.

Lobelia angulata

2009-12-21T11:39:00.004+13:00

Lobelia angulata or Pratia angulata is flowering strongly. The small white dainty flowers are 5-merous with the petals united into an upperlip three- lobe and lower lipped two-lobe corolla that is split to its base. The berries are crimson red.

The plant forms a large ground hugging mat and prefers dappled light.

Manuka and Kanuka Flowers

2009-12-10T08:18:00.002+13:00

Manuka Leptospermum scoparium and Kanuka Kunzea ericoides both produce a profusion of small flowers. Manuka flowers in spring while Kanuka flowers later, beginning its display in early summer. However, both are flowering around me at the moment.

Manuka has solitary flowers 8-25mm in diameter. Often the petals have a red tint. The stamens are shorter than the petals.
The flowers of kanuka are in clusters of between 8 and 20 and are between 4 and 8 mm in diameter. The many stamens are longer than the petals.

Phormium tenax spathe

2009-11-30T15:12:00.002+13:00

I maintain flax is New Zealand's most iconic plant due to its cultural significance, large distribution and the beauty of it's foliage and flowers. Have you ever noticed the splendour of the spathe- the bract that protects the developing inflorescence?

Carmichaelia australis

2009-11-30T15:02:00.004+13:00

The common New Zealand leafless broom with handsome seeds set in an open capsule- termed a replum.

The papilionate flowers are equally impressive.
This plant is perfect for pots on the balcony. I can vouch for it thriving on neglect!

Christmas greetings from Whangaroa

2009-11-30T15:00:00.001+13:00

Christmas is the time of Pohutukawa.

Libertia peregrinans

2009-11-30T14:47:00.002+13:00

This orange leaved native Iris exhibits attractive leaf shape and colour, with white flowers and orange fruits. It is a hardy ground-cover for all gardens. Note the three sepals below the three petals. Plants with flower parts in groups of three are termed trimerous.

OMG! Here comes the houseboat!

2009-11-30T14:17:00.003+13:00

Charters are still available for Summer Holidays.

What better way to enjoy the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour than on the houseboat Maple Leaf

Check it out from here

Lophomyrtus rohutu

2009-11-30T14:03:00.007+13:00

Lophomyrtus bullata x obcordata

The cultivars of Lophomyrtus produce interesting and eyecatching flowers in early summer.

There are two species of Lophomyrtus, the New Zealand

myrtles.

Hybrids may exist,and horticultural selection has resulted in many named and unnamed varieties.

Both Lophomyrtus species are popular ornamentals due to their range of vibrant foliage,

attractive flowers and fruits, and hardiness.

The numerous male anthers arise opposite the five petals.

Pohutukawa flower Metrosideros excelsa

2009-11-28T08:59:00.004+13:00

There's so much botany going on here. The five red petals, five green stamens, both with the small hairs on the margins, the way in which the crimson stamens arise from the margin of the floral cup or hyapanthium, the single central style and the ant feeding on nectar. And it's New Zealand's favourite summer tree flowering at the minute. Pohutukawa. Good light, colour and composition. Click the photo for a closer look.

Fuchsia procumbens

2009-11-27T20:55:00.004+13:00

The golden yellow floral tube with sharply reflexed sepals. Petals are absent in this coastal species. This Fuchsia scrambles through coastal gravels in northern New Zealand. It makes an ideal ground cover for all gardens. I love the contrasting blue pollen and red anthers.

Flowing Leaves

2009-10-19T15:39:00.003+13:00

Courtesy of Woman's day

Classifying lichen

2009-10-17T10:02:00.004+13:00

Lichens never fail to surprise me, both with their form and the nature of their existence. They are composed of a fungus and an algae that together are mutually beneficial and together create a unique species. A simple way to group them is to organise them by their growth forms. Fruticose, foliose or crustose.

Usnea Parmeliaceae bearded lichen. Fruticose lichens may be upright on the ground or hanging from twigs.

Pseudocyphellaria Foliose lichen growing on dead Kunzea ericoides kanuka
Crustose lichens Form a crust on the surface. Describes lichens that adhere to the surface of trunks or bark, or rocks.

Kauri Greenhood orchid Pterostylis agathicola

2009-10-09T14:07:00.002+13:00

The unusually shaped hooded orchids are in flower this week. These ground orchids appear from spring to summer, then die down for winter. The shape of the flower protects the reproductive parts from the weather and also helps to trap small insects which act as the pollinator.

The hooded part of the flower is termed a gallea. Note the tail like appendages from the anterior petals.
The anterior petals are united. Can you see the red tipped female stigma behind it?.

Rewarewa flowers

2009-10-07T15:12:00.006+13:00

Knightia excelsa

Family: Proteaceae

Rewarewa is a tall, slender or columnar tree reaching 30 m high, with a trunk up to 90–100 cm in diameter and smooth, dark brown to black bark. Branches are held upright and branchlets are velvety. The oblanceolate leaves are coarsely toothed, 10–15 cm long by 2.5–4 cm wide, and slightly longer and narrower on juvenile plants. The conspicuous flowers arise on the branchlets in dense racemes about 10 cm long, deep velvety red, tipped with yellow and partly coiled in a wiry mass.

The handsome inflorescence is a stout raceme composed of many tightly packed crimson flowers. The singular club-shaped style is topped with a green band and may be up to 3cm. long.
The petaloids (diminished petals) curl spirally to show a band of blue on their inner surface. I love the way the colours of the floral parts contrast to make the inflorescence very eye catching.

The flower stalks are densely clad in a red-brown velvety tomentum. Contemplate the architecture of the spirally coiled petaloids.

Rhopalostylis sapida Nikau Palm

2009-09-24T08:57:00.004+12:00

Next to my mail box is a large Nikau Palm. This week I have been watching the inflorescence gradually unfurl from the large bracts (termed spathe) that protect the developing flowers.The large inflorescence has many branches up to 30 cm. long, each with many lilac-pink closely packed flowers.

Any one for a tui?

2009-09-10T15:34:00.004+12:00

I won two tickets to the Ellerslie beer Festival with this photo! It's not "photo shopped". I tied the beer in the tree and waited for Tui to visit. He was after the kowhai flowers, not the other Tui!

Battle of the birds.

2009-08-23T19:22:00.009+12:00

For the past week, a tui and a wood pigeon-kereru, kukupa- have been fighting over the kowhai flowers in the garden. The posts below show plenty of this fascinating action.

The kereru lifts it's large and beautifully coloured wings to discourage the tui.
Tui shrieks in a somewhat threatening manner, to eventually displace pigeon

A Day in the life of a Kowhai tree

2009-08-20T15:21:00.001+12:00

Kereru is eating the flowers of the Kowhai tree. A Tui comes along and hassles the pigeon from the tree, then proceeds to feed from the nectar of the flowers. A bee arrives and also gathers nectar.

Wood pigeon Kereru

2009-08-17T08:06:00.003+12:00

The Gardens been overrun with birds!. This wood pigeon has been visiting for the last week and has made itself at home in the kowhai, feeding on the flowers, much to the displeasure of the Tui.

Spring's arrived. Tui in the Kowhai

2009-08-13T13:16:00.004+12:00

A single tui has been visiting the kowhai just outside the kitchen window. A sure sign of spring.

Alseuosmia banksii

2009-08-12T15:34:00.003+12:00

Alseuosmia banksii karapapa. May.

The fringed margins on the united -connate- petals that form the corolla tube. In the flowers centre is the female stigma covered in pollen from the surrounding lower anthers. Karapapa is one of New Zealands most fragrant flowers.

Vitex lucens Puriri

2009-08-11T20:49:00.005+12:00

Vitex lucens Verbenaceae puriri May

The distinctive pinkish-red flowers with four stamens, the two inner being shorter than the two peripheral. Note also the cleaved or bifid stigma.

The cavernous corolla is two lipped; with an arched upper lip and a three lobed lower one.
The term ringent refers to a gaping or open mouth as in the corolla of many flowers

Brachyglottis kirkii

2009-08-11T16:08:00.003+12:00

Brachyglottis kirkii Asteraceae kirks tree daisy June

Kirk's tree daisy is rich in flower this month. The purple involucre made of a whorls of bracts surrounds the flowers. A single bract of the involucre is a phyllary.

Reaction wood, tension wood and compression wood- explained

2009-08-11T16:00:00.002+12:00

Reaction wood is the term for wood formed in branches of trees in order to maintain them in the appropriate position.

Beilschmiedia taraire Lauraceae tarairi.
This twist of asymmetric spiralling growth on the inclined branch is the result of mechanical stress forcing the cambium to be more active on one side than another.

Compression wood is formed on the lower side of branches and is a characteristic of conifers.

Podocarpus totara totara Podocarpaceae

In conifers compression wood occurs on the lower side of branches. This thickening gives the branch support.

Tension wood is type of wood formed in the axil branches of flowering trees.

Kunzea ericoides kanuka Myrtaceae.

Tension wood is rich in cellulose and forms a supporting ridge above the lateral branch, giving support and holding the branch upright.

Mushrooms

2009-08-11T15:53:00.001+12:00

Mushrooms on a Pinus radiata log. The pileus or cap with lamellae on the under surface. The stem or stape holds the pileus.

Fuchsia excorticata

2009-08-11T15:40:00.003+12:00

Fuchsia excorticata Kotukutoku Onagraceae July

Kotukutuku's ovary is epigynous or inferior. The petals, sepals and stamens are inserted near the top of the ovary. Epigynous is synonymous with an inferior ovary and contrasts with a hypogynous or inferior ovary

The ovary is attached to the 2cm. long pedicel and is crowned by the hypanthium/floral cup. The stamens arise above the ovary.

Zoochory

2009-08-11T15:32:00.001+12:00

Zoochory is the term for animal dispersal of seeds or fruit. Ectozoochory: where propagules are carried externally on an animal and Endozoochory: in which seeds are eaten and passed through the gut of the animal unharmed.

New Zealand pigeon Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae kereru, kukupa, feeding on the berries of Rhopalostylis sapida nikau palm, Totara North July

Carmichaelia williamsii

2009-08-11T15:21:00.002+12:00

Carmichaelia williamsii Pailionaceae August

Carmichaelia williamsii shows the petals characteristic of flowers of the papilionaceae. The top petal, called a standard, vexellum or banner, encloses and protects the other petals as the flower develops. There are two lateral winged petals termed alae. The two lower petals are joined along the purple margin to frorm a keel or carina.

Photo: Auckland Botanic Gardens Manurewa

Ornithophily: Tui in the kowhai

2009-08-11T15:11:00.001+12:00

Ornithophily is pollination by birds. Bird pollinated flowers tend to be large, colourful and often tubular flowers that secrete copious nectar. Note how the tui’s beak is perfectly shaped to the corolla of kowhai

Pittosporum umbellatum, haekaro

2009-08-11T15:00:00.004+12:00

Pittosporum umbellatum, Pittosporaceae haekaro August

Five anthers alternate with the pink petals and surround the single stigma.

Pittosporum umbellatum's name refers to the pendant flowers on pedicels to 15cm. An umbel is an inflorescence in which the pedicels arise from the same point on the peduncle.

Alseuosmia banksii

2009-08-11T14:48:00.005+12:00

Alseuosmia banksii karapapa Caprifoliaceae June

This floral tube has split to reveal the stamens inserted to the side of the throat of the floral tube. Note the inferior ovary below the sepals.

Funaria hygrometrica a moss

2009-07-19T11:00:00.002+12:00

The pear shaped spore capsule has a mouth that holds the operculum, the slightly convex dome with a reddish rim.

Hoheria populnea lacebark

2009-07-19T10:53:00.000+12:00

Elatostema rugosum parataniwha

2009-07-19T10:34:00.004+12:00

The asymmetric serrate leaves of parataniwha

Phormium tenax cultivar 'Elfin'

2009-03-25T08:58:00.002+13:00

The pattern of the unfurling leaves caught my eye on this flax cultivar. It is not something I have noticed on wild flax, however on this cultivar it makes for an attractive pattern. Does anyone know what this unfolding pattern is called?. Possibly plicate, which is a term more associated with longitudinal unfurling. Leave a comment.

leafless broom Charmichaelia australis

2009-03-24T20:36:00.003+13:00

Our walking group found the seed capsule of the New Zealand leafless broom most fascinating. The sides of the capsule (replum) fall away as the leguminose pod drys in the late summer sun, revealing brightly coloured orange seeds, almost pirimidal in shape.

Scarlet Mistletoe Peraxilla colensoi

2009-03-24T20:13:00.004+13:00

photo Liz Vanderlaarse

A parasitic shrub up to 3 m across. A parasite mainly found in silver beech forest but has been recorded on 19 species including red beech and black beech. Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) and bellbird (Anthonis melanura) disperse this species in the North Island. In Peraxilla species, flower buds are unable to open themselves. The flowers reveal themselves only when the honeyeater bird finds a ripe bud and gives the top a twist; the bud then bursts open immediately like a spring, and the bird drinks the nectar inside.

Scarlet mistletoe produces scarlet flowers in abundance which make this plant very obvious from October - January. Flower heads have groups of 3-10 flowers and are up to 60 mm long. The ripe fruit are yellow/golden and are small, fleshy and oval.

Read about new research from QE2 trust on how birds affect pollination of mistle toe from here and more about the explosive method of bird pollination from here

Pratia angulata

2009-01-30T13:59:00.002+13:00

One of my favourite ground covers Pratia angulata is producing fruit and flowering at the moment. A beautiful sight.

Christmas greetings from Whangaroa

2008-12-17T13:06:00.002+13:00

Pohutukawa at high tide

2008-12-14T13:23:00.003+13:00

One of New Zealand's great natural phenomena is pohtukawa in full bloom. An absolutely stunning display on Milford Island, Whangaroa harbour.

Fan fern Schizaea dichotoma

2008-12-07T15:55:00.005+13:00

Fan fern, Schizaea dichotoma grows in Kauri and coastal forest and

geothermal areas in the north of New Zealand.

The dark green, flattened, fan-shaped frond with each end surmounted with a fertile laminae are unique to this species.

Botany without Borders

2008-12-05T16:31:00.000+13:00

Cabbage tree and flax in flower

2008-11-29T15:42:00.001+13:00

Cordyline australis and Phormium tenax are both at the peak of their floral display

Kiwi ingenuity

2008-11-21T13:13:00.003+13:00

New Zealanders are well known for their ability to make do with the resources around them. Up in the bush, behind the town, are remnants of old fences, using trees as posts and battens.

.....and even today a landowner uses a kanuka tree as a gate post!

Alectryon excelsa titoki fruit

2008-11-08T13:07:00.003+13:00

Titoki is producing fruit at the moment. The pulpy appendage to the single glossy seed is called an aril. These arils were highly prized by maori as they produced a useful grooming oil. Titoki oil pressed from the seeds and leaves was prized for mixing with flowers to make a perfumed oil, usually reserved for chiefly persons. The oil was also used externally for sores, chafed skin and wounds, aching ears and as an insect repellent.

A number of sayings exist around this oil including:

Hei te tau titoki.

Put off until the titoki berries appear.

The berries, from which grooming oil was obtained, did not appear in the same amounts every year. The saying refers to an indefinite postponement.

He rangatira no te tau titoki

A chief of the titoki season.

Titoki oil used for grooming was usually reserved for high-ranking people. When the seed was abundant, lower-ranked people could use it too.

Carpodetus serratus putaputaweta

2008-11-01T17:03:00.004+13:00

Putaputaweta forms a small, spreading tree to 10 m tall, with a trunk to 20–30 cm in diameter, and rough, greyish bark. The distinctive juvenile phase has zigzagging, almost divaricated branches, with leaves 3 cm long by 2 cm wide on stalks to 1 cm long. The adult leaves, 2.5–6 cm long by 1.5–3 cm wide, are often mottled light and dark green on the upper surfaces, and have finely serrated margins. Flowers, 5 mm wide, with white petals, occur in broad panicles. The small, shiny purple-black fruits are around 6 mm in diameter. Putaputaweta is found throughout coastal to montane forests in all three main islands, particularly on streamsides. The name derives from the fact that holes occur in the trunk where weta often live.

Radio Interview Plant Heritage New Zealand

2008-10-31T11:16:00.006+13:00

I was fortunate enough to be interviewed by John Haines -Doubtless Bay Family Radio. We talk about my career, living in Totara North, Plant Heritage New Zealand and bushmansfriend tourism products.

here is the embedded link.

Parsonsia capsularis Aka kiore

2008-10-12T17:42:00.003+13:00

Parsonsia capsularis is a variable twining shrub of lowland and montane forests.