What
Kōtuku Ngutupapa (Royal Spoonbill) (Platalea regia)Observer
birdwoodDescription
Uncommon in Pukekura Park
Photos / Sounds
What
Sand Coprosma (Coprosma acerosa)Observer
birdwoodDescription
Part of a very large wild population across Whanganui South Spit, comprising many hundreds of plants, some exhibiting considerable natural variation.
What
Forest Cabbage Tree (Cordyline banksii)Observer
birdwoodDescription
A couple of trees. C. banksii is not that common on ringplain, probably spread from nearby plants along banks of Waiwhakaiho River.
What
Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius)Observer
birdwoodDescription
Two trees, one presently in flower. This is the first time I have seen this species flower in New Plymouth - they don't tend to flower in our wet climate. These trees were planted in the 1960s-70s as part of an Australian themed planting.
What
European Beech (Fagus sylvatica)Observer
birdwoodDescription
One of several seedlings with varying degrees of purple colouring - beneath mature Copper/Purple Beech. Very unusual to see self-sown European Beech in New Plymouth's mild climate - especially given the milder than usual winter!
What
Northern Rātā (Metrosideros robusta)Observer
birdwoodDescription
Near Waiwhakaiho Track, distinctive notched leaf tips
What
Chorus Cicada (Amphipsalta zelandica)Observer
birdwoodDescription
I have no idea - seemed dead, not sure photo good enough to get ID
Photos / Sounds
What
Tataka (Melicope ternata)Observer
birdwoodDescription
One larger and two smaller trees noted. Forest margin, exposed ridge line, semi-coastal forest (Nikau, Puriri & Kohekohe in high numbers). Wharangi is extremely uncommon in western Taranaki (the nearest naturally occurring plants I've seen are in the Kaitake Ranges) - seems likely these plants are naturally occurring, appears on plant lists for area back to 1960s, although could have spread from early Barrett Domain plantings.
What
Harakeke (Phormium tenax)Observer
birdwoodDescription
One of the larger remaining groups of naturally occurring Harakeke along this part of the coast
What
Kowhai Moth (Uresiphita maorialis)Observer
birdwoodDescription
Many caterpillars munching through hundreds of Sophora microphylla seedlings.
Photos / Sounds
What
Red-flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia)Observer
birdwoodDescription
A large orange-flowering specimen
Photos / Sounds
What
Red-flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia)Observer
birdwoodDescription
A magnificent pink-flowering specimen probably planted during the 1920s.
What
Tawhero (Pterophylla racemosa)Observer
birdwoodDescription
Along Te Henui River Bank, several trees with masses of white flowers.
What
Taurepo (Rhabdothamnus solandri)Observer
birdwoodDescription
Small lone plant on steep bank; site heavily grazed.
What
New Zealand Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis)Observer
birdwoodDescription
A magnificent old multi-stemmed tree in full flower.
What
Bachelor's Buttons (Cotula coronopifolia)Observer
birdwoodDescription
Growing on muddy bank of Urenui River.