New Zealand field trips Jan 2010.

[Lesley Cox]

Yes, those books were Arthur Ransome all right. They're all in the Dunedin Public Library and even now I re-read every 5 years or so. If for no other reason they should be read by every parent who wraps his/here kids in cotton wool and won't let them do a thing without first evaluating health/safety/hygiene etc until the next generation of grown-ups will have no initiative and no sense of adventure at all and will be frightened to cross the road without someone to hold his/her hand.

[Ross Graham]

yeah I agree those children in the books had a lot of freedom and thats why they was so appealing to me as a kid I guess.

[t00lie]

Finally after waiting near on 4 weeks the weather was suitable for a visit into Fiordland --sunny conditions were forecast but i was in ,(very thick at times), fog all day with no landmarks which tested the navigation skills in a number of spots .

Although a  number of the big Celmisa sps are not going to flower this season i found plenty of other Genera including some lovely cushion plants in bloom.

The highlights were Ranunculus lyallii and R.buchananii --the moisture on the buchananii in particular gave them a wonderful frosted look.

I understand the AGS tour is visiting the area next week --i hope they have better weather and a number make the journey up onto the screes.
 

Cheers Dave

 

[kiwi]

Stunning mate, another plant to add to the must see list!!!
See you next week.

[ranunculus]

Absolutely ruddy magnificent ... I just can't stop drooling (it's probably my age)!   

A truly beautiful plant and image.

[t00lie]

Thanks Doug.

Cliff
There is still quite a lot of white stuff,(and i'm not talking about the plants    ) , about up there, particularly where the Ranunculus grow --i carefully peeked under the side of a very thick snow bank and i could see numerous R.bucananii with buds formed ready to bloom so although it's such a magnificent sight at the moment,(i took 52 pics of the two species and their hybrid ), in another 2 or 3 weeks it should be even better --of course that is if the hares, grasshoppers etc don't get to them beforehand   .

(Doug and i are away for a look around Nelson,(top of South Island),early next week then meeting up with other NZAGS members on friday for a weekend in Northern Canterbury so there should be a few more  'postings' coming).

Cheers dave.

 

  

[ranunculus]

Thanks Doug.

Cliff
There is still quite a lot of white stuff,(and i'm not talking about the plants    ) , about up there, particularly where the Ranunculus grow --i carefully peeked under the side of a very thick snow bank and i could see numerous R.bucananii with buds formed ready to bloom so although it's such a magnificent sight at the moment,(i took 52 pics of the two species and their hybrid ), in another 2 or 3 weeks it should be even better.  

... But can I get there in time?   

[David Lyttle]

Hi everyone,

Just back from Central Otago after a week traveling around with some very good botanists. It is a humbling experience finding out how much one does not know. There was a foot of fresh snow on the Remarkables when we visited it so the weather has been a bit of a mixture. It can be challenging photographing a tiny Myosotis in the rain. I am off again in a couple of days again so in the meantime.

Here are the offerings for today (Sorry Cliff I have not edited any Ranunculus pictures tonight)

1 Craspedia lanata from the Pisa Range.

2 Pimelea aff sericeovillosa from the Pisa Range

3 Another Pimelea, Pimelea traversii from the Ida Range.  I knew it was there but not in such abundance - you notice more plants when they are flowering. There were two other species present, Pimelea pseudolyallii and Pimelea oreophila so there was a fair bit of discussion about what was which.

4 Raoulia petriensis from the Ida Range

[ranunculus]

Here are the offerings for today (Sorry Cliff I have not edited any Ranunculus pictures tonight)

You are forgiven David ... good things come to those who wait!   

The Raoulia petriensis has a stunning structure, almost reminiscent of a rosulate viola?

Many thanks for posting.

[Maggi Young]

Absolutely ruddy magnificent ... I just can't stop drooling (it's probably my age)!   

A truly beautiful plant and image.

No, Cliff, for once it is not your age or infirmity... that  R.buchananii in the photo is an absolute cracker!  Superb, t00lie, thanks! ! 

[ranunculus]

Absolutely ruddy magnificent ... I just can't stop drooling (it's probably my age)!   :

No, Cliff, for once it is not your age or infirmity...

'For once'? ... Oh, how could you?   

[David Lyttle]

The Raoulia petriensis has a stunning structure, almost reminiscent of a rosulate viola?

I did not show you the whole plant; here is a nice photogenic cushion. Most of them are a bit more straggly but you dont take picture of those ones. (its a bit like showing)

[kiwi]

David, the Raoulia petriensis is incredible, also love the woolly head. One of my favourates.

Have this shot of another Pimelea (I think, or is it a Hebe?) but I have no closer shots to accurately id.
Any Ideas? (Mt Stokes)
Cheers Doug.

[Lesley Cox]

Pimelea I think Doug but not one I've ever met. Looks very good.

Cliff I was hoping you had some handy medication in order to calm the palpitatons. A stunning picture Dave. I'm looking forward to seeing the next batches.

[David Lyttle]

 Hi Doug,

 If it is subalpine I think it is Pimelea gnidia. P longifolia which is predominantly a lowland species is very similar.