Otago plants fascinate botanists

Otago has so many unique plants because of its ancient landforms; some plants have had 40 million years to evolve, Department of Conservation botanist Mike Thorsen says.

"This makes Otago a fascinating place for botanists. Everywhere else in New Zealand has only small fragments of this ancient landscape. Here, we have whole mountain ranges," he said.

Mr Thorsen has found, on average, one new species every couple of years and about 30 plants in Otago are still waiting to be named.

"The Catlins is a huge, unexplored area where we could find species we didn't know existed, plus it has all these interesting plants hanging from steep, rugged coastal cliffs. It's just a magic place."

Central Otago was another favourite area for plants.

"There are old dry terraces with plants with long tap roots, hanging there for dear life. Imagine being baked by the Central Otago sun then frozen by the harsh winter. Plants there have to be tough and have evolved in fascinating ways."

Other species admired by Mr Thorsen are vegetable rocks, hard cushion-like plants that grow on top of Central Otago's mountains.

Mr Thorsen urges people to get involved in protecting Otago's unique plants.

"If rare plants are growing on your land, give them the recognition and consideration they deserve. They have struggled so hard to survive; please look after them."

Ask Doc staff where special plant sites are and what you can do to help.

"Unless we make the effort, we'll wake up one day and these valuable plants will be gone."

- Department of Conservation