Young tephra (<500 years) plains and hillslopes

Tongariro National Park (Susan Wiser)

Young tephra environments are formed of recent (<500 years) coarse (sand-gravel) pyroclastic deposits of acidic to basic volcanic rocks. At lower altitudes species such as toetoe (Austroderia fulvida), bracken (Pteridium esculentum), and tree tutu (Coriaria arborea) colonise fine material, whereas more exposed surfaces may be colonised only by mosses and scabweeds (Raoulia spp.) for many years.

Where do they occur?

Mt Taranaki, Mt Tarawera, Tongariro National Park, White Island (Whakaari).

Notable flora and fauna

Threatened and rare plants includeinclude nationally endangered Melicytus aff. alpinus (a) (CHR 541565; Rangipo), declining (Pimelea microphylla), Thelymitra aff. longifolia (CHR 537579; Whakapapa). The intergeneric hybrid Olearia arborescens × Celmisia gracilenta is found only on Mt Tarawera.

Threat status

Vulnerable (Holdaway et al. 2012)

Threats

Pines (Pinus spp.) have been a major problem on parts of Mt Tarawera and central the Volcanic Plateau. Ling heather (Calluna vulgaris) is also a continuing potential threat on the central Volcanic Plateau. Lagomorphs and possums may be a problem. Off-road drivers and motorcyclists can be a threat in some areas.

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Young tephra (<500 years) plains and hillslopes

Where do they occur?

Notable flora and fauna

Threat status

Threats

Further reading