NZ Field trips January 2007

[David Lyttle]

Lesley, you need to subscribe to the New Zealand Journal of Botany or have access to a library that subscribes to the electronic version of  the journal to get full access to the paper. Usual copyright restrictions apply if you wish to download a personal copy. However some earlier  RSNZ journals are available without restriction from their website.

[David Lyttle]

Just back from a trip to the North Dunstan Range that was cut short due to the weather turning bad.. We were faced with high winds with sleety snow being driven horizontally on the crest, not at all pleasant.

First a view looking north east along the crest of the range

Now a picture of Myosotis oreophila first discovered by the botanist Petrie on Mt Ida 40 km to the East in 1891 and was known from only a single collection until it was re-discovered in 1987. At present it is known from a single population that is confined to an area of 0.5 ha.

Carmichealia crassicaulis (formerly known as Corallospartium crassicaule) dwarfed by effects of altitude and browsing. This plant is actually flowering.

Here is an un-named Raoulia.

Hebe buchananii flowering. Very common hebe common on the mountains of Central Otago but always attractive.

Finally Celmisia sessiliflora, a cushion forming celmisia here in full flower

[Maggi Young]

You are having real trouble with your "summer" weather, aren't you, David? As unseasonable as our "winter" it seems. We are grateful to see that you are at least gettining some time in the mountains, before being blown home

[Paddy Tobin]

David,

Delighted to have you posting again from the mountains. Must say I missed the photographs for the past while. They were a daily dose of enjoyment last time, so I am hoping you will post some more.

Paddy

[David Lyttle]

Hi Maggi, Paddy,

Summer is being much what it always is, the weather in the high mountains is notoriously unpredictable and getting a good day when you are there is a hit and miss affair. I did not get many pictures this time out as I had to put the camera away - it was getting a bit wet. It is also impossible to photograph anything that is not low growing as all the flowers are being blown around by the wind. Wind chill under these conditions is horrendous - your hands rapidly freeze up unless you are wearing gloves.

At this particular locality Celmisia sessiliflora was abundant and in full bloom. It is difficult to convey the effect of all the cushions flowering but it is certainly quite a magnificent sight. I hope to get away again soon so may be able to post some more photos.

 For the time being I will post this photo of Euphrasia integrifolia from Mt Burns.

[Paddy Tobin]

David,
That Euphrasia is an absolute dote.

Tough conditions experienced then on the mountains. And  when we get these mountain plants to our gardens we molly coddly them - to death oftentimes.

Paddy

[John Forrest]

Very good of you to undergo the vagueries of the NZ high life to bring us pictures of beauties like the Euphrasia and all in the warmth and comfort of the computer room.

[Maggi Young]

I normally agree with all you say, Jof, and I am with you 100percent, that euphrasia is a real stunner, but "all in the warmth and comfort of the computer room"..... have to differ there, my toes is froze!

[fermi de Sousa]

tiddly pum

[Maggi Young]

Quite, if I get your drift!

[John Forrest]

Fergie may have the answer!!

[fermi de Sousa]

Maggi
got it in one.
John,
FerGie?
cheers
ferMi

[Lesley Cox]

Ah, that's probably it then. I couldn't work out the Fergie. Wondered if it was an illusion to that well known plump bear, and whether the well known Fergie, with her own well known connections to a well known weight watching group would be able to offer a solution to an only TOO well known comfortable shape.

[fermi de Sousa]

A poem by Pooh Bear:
whenever it snows
tiddly pum
nobody knows
tiddly pum
how cold my toes
tiddly pum
are growing
(that's what my addled brain can remember it as!)
perhaps this should be relegated to the "Weather Moans" topic?
cheers
fermi

[John Forrest]

Fergie as in Duchess of York as was. Tabloid pictures of toe sucking incident!! Could warm the old tootsies.