In many parts of city, Dunedin Botanic Garden included, native forest has a canopy of kanuka, regrowth from clearance or fire in the 1800s. The silhouette of these trees on our skyline is distinctive and striking. Kanuka also has a practical role as a nursery that protects young seedlings growing to form future native forest.
Another Myrtaceae grows as a vine within local forests; throughout the town belt the summer-flowering of white rata, Metrosideros diffusa can be seen from the flat land of the university area. There are two more local myrtles or rohutu: Lophomyrtus obcordata with its small heart-shaped leaves and a trunk smooth from flaking bark and Neomyrtus pedunculata, which has pale green leaves and orange berries.
Popular plantings around Dunedin include rata, pohutukawa and exotics such as bottlebrush. These usually have distinctive red flowers and have become part of our landscape.
Dunedin Botanic Garden is being careful to keep myrtle rust out of Dunedin by being vigilant with plant purchases and staff travel. We are part of a wider network and negotiations are under way about how else we can help. The garden’s plant collections are being monitored and a plan prepared for potential options, under the umbrella of the Ministry for Primary Industries.
- Garden Life is produced by Dunedin Botanic Garden. For further information contact Tom Myers.
