New Zealand Alpine Field Trips - Spring 2014

[kiwi]

Early start to the alpine season with a NZAGS trip into the Castle Hill reserve to see Ranunculus pauciflorus.
This plant is Nationally Critically threatened. Check out the fact sheet below;
http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/c/flora/factsheets/NZPCN_Species_2372.pdf

We were met by a Dept of Conservation ranger (an armed escort for plant protection... ) Who explained the plants were running 3 weeks late this season but there was some buds coming through. The plants population has dropped from 300 down to around 50 odd due to being a delicacy to hares and invasive weeds. The plants were caged but this didn't damper our enthusiasm to see this wee beauty.

Very similar to Ranunculus crithmifolius, which it used to be associated as a sub species, but is now a separate species.

Thanks to Hamish for organizing the trip!

[kiwi]

We found this hybrid that had our mouths watering!!!
Wacky rock formations.
At least this Hare wasn't eating to many plants...

[kiwi]

Some nice cushions of Myosotis colensoi- to early for flowers. Fact sheet below;
http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.aspx?ID=74

Brachyglottis haastii
Carmichaelia sp (monroi ?)
Lone flower on Clematis petriei

[kiwi]

Finally - (for now, the season has only just begun....)
We had lunch up the road in the Castle Hill village, one of our NZAGS members had helped to design/create these fantastic alpine beds, I had to share as they are so awesome.

[Yann]

nice report, the raised bed is well design, just have to turn the head to admire the plants.
does the soil is in contact of the wood?

[ranunculus]

Wonderful, Doug … though seeing those caged and timid buttercups fills me with worry about their long-term prospects. 

Best wishes to all our friends over there … keep up the great work, please.

[kiwi]

Hi Yann, the beds are lined with plastic.
Cheers.

[kiwi]

Cheers Cliff, not long before the Buttercup fireworks start....

[kiwi]

Steve an I headed into Mount Somers for an overnighter in search of some new patches of Ranunculus crithmifolius.
We made our way through to the pinnacles hut, the weather closing in on us, arriving just before a hail storm hit!
Along the way we were amazed by hundreds of stunning Clematis paniculata plants in flower, Steve couldn't help himself....

[kiwi]

A beautiful day welcomed us above the bushline, and soon we had found a new, very large patch of Ranunculus crithmifolius.
We met up with Hamish and family at woolshed creek where we found many more stunning plants.

[kiwi]

Another nice plant.

The view back towards Woolshed Creek Hut.

One of the many waterfalls along the track.

Didn't look like the bus had been up this way for a while..... 

[jandals]

[ruweiss]

Many thanks to the intrepid kiwi team which enjoy us with the actual pictures
of their endemic goodies. From own experience in former years I know about
the hardships to reach the places where these gems grow.
For me the last picture of decorated Steve is the best.

[kiwi]

Thanks Ruweiss, appreciate the comments.
I was beginning to wonder whether we had over done the NZ Alpine trips...

[Maggi Young]

Thanks Ruweiss, appreciate the comments.
I was beginning to wonder whether we had over done the NZ Alpine trips...

Perish the thought!  I think we are simply speechless with the beauty of these places you are showing us - and it is hard to comment when giggling at the pix of you guys draped with floral garlands!