NZ field trips - Jan 2012

[David Lyttle]

For the penultimate posting here is a series of Raoulias and a Viola

1. Raoulia apicinigra with the flowers just about to open Note the black tips which is diagnostic of this species.

2,3 Raoulia eximia a small vegetable sheep This species is at the southern limit of its distribution on the Ida Range.

4.  Raoulia eximia and Raoulia hectori.

5. Raoulia grandiflora The flowers are not quite open.

6. Raoulia grandiflora with completely open flowers and Raoulia subsericea.

Enough Raoulias

7,8 Viola cunninghamii Note the lovely purple markings on the throat of the flower.

[Maggi Young]

7,8 Viola cunninghamii Note the lovely purple markings on the throat of the flower.

 I am indeed noting those markings - so beautiful.
David, an exceptional series of pictures.... some of these plants are the best I have ever seen...  it seems a magnificent year for flowering.


Remember Folks : click on the little pictures to enlarge them ... and see the  delights even more clearly!

[David Lyttle]

For the ultimate posting;

1, 2 Ranunculus acraeus I knew this species was present and had hoped to see the screes dotted with golden buttercups. However we found very few plants with none in flower but there were a couple with developing seed heads. I suspect browsing by hares and sheep keep the plants small and numbers low.

3. The cryptic scree buttercup Ranunculus crithmifolius with a seed head I have never seen this species in flower.

4. A very conventional grassland buttercup Ranunculus foliosus (I decided it was this species rather than Ranunculus royi)

5,6 Ranuculus gracilipes a small buttercup found mainly in bogs though the first specimen was sitting under a snow bank.

7. Melicytus alpinus This plant is tucked out of harms way in a pile of shattered rock. Hares browse the twigs quite hard. However these plants evolved to resist being eaten by moas and seem to survive.

8. Melicytus alpinus a branch showing flowers and fruit ftom the preceeding specimen.

[ranunculus]

Enough Raoulias

I never thought I would hear those two words used in conjunction!    
Can we ever have enough of these gorgeous plants (even if they delay the posting of the buttercups for a few moments longer)!  

Oops, looks like you have sneaked some in before I could post this David ... I shall away and enjoy.

[David Lyttle]

I am indeed noting those markings - so beautiful.
David, an exceptional series of pictures.... some of these plants are the best I have ever seen...  it seems a magnificent year for flowering.

Thank you Maggi for your generous comments. I have finished this set of pictures and hope you have enjoyed them.

[Ian Y]

David I echo all the other comments thanks for sharing with us what appears to be an exceptionally floriferus season .
We are so lucky to have you guys posting from NZ showing us the flora from north and south of the South Island.
This flora has always fascinated me and I have never understood the criticism that all the flowers are white daisies. People who say that have either not seen it or have not looked at what they are seeing.
I hope these superb flowers means that it will also be a bumper year for seed

[Hoy]

Trond,

My sentiments exactly, There is enough to see in the southern South Island to occupy several life times let alone go anywhere else.

The fern in the photo is Blechnum penna marina.

Thank you! I didn't recognize it although I grow it in my garden!

So that's me told. Thanks David. Sorry Trond.

Lesley, I do forgive you

[Hoy]

Thank you Mark for your kind comments. Our New Zealand alpines lack the the bright colours of the corresponding European and North American plants but show considerable diversity none the less.

Yes I read that NZ (montane) flora is predominantly white-flowered due to the kind of pollinators there. I can't recall what kind of pollinators are more important but I guess it is insects of some kind?

[Natalia]

David, thank you!
The Kola Peninsula is very diverse in lanshaft. Hibiny and Lovozero tundra - one theory is the two old volcano.

 I understand that New Zealand plants live in a much milder climate, but before that terrible winter were a few years with mild conditions:)
I wanted to try ...
And now I would like, but now have to build a greenhouse:)
 And when you see your beautiful photos with lobelia ...

[Gerdk]

7,8 Viola cunninghamii Note the lovely purple markings on the throat of the flower.

 I am indeed noting those markings - so beautiful.
David, an exceptional series of pictures.... some of these plants are the best I have ever seen...  it seems a magnificent year for flowering.

[

David, the same from me - enjoyed all your pics a lot!

Gerd

[David Lyttle]

Thank you everyone for all your kind comments. I consider myself fortunate to be able to go on these field trips. I get an immense amount of satisfaction and pleasure from them and am very pleased to be able to share them with all of you through this forum. They are never dull - there is always something novel or something I have never seen before as we have such a varied and diverse flora in a relatively small geographical area. Each mountain range has its own character and set of plants. It is very instructive doing a west to east traverse in a short period as I did last summer and see the changes in vegetation. Contrary to Ian Y's comments it has not been a particularly good season, in fact it has been rather average, and some species, particularly Aciphyllas, have hardly flowered at all. Last season was exceptional. Despite this there is always something to see, photograph and post on this forum.

[Hoy]

David, I'm the one to say thank you! It is a pleassure to follow you on your trips. (My wife can't understand why I've gotten such a PC addiction  )

[fermi de Sousa]

I've only just caught up with this thread - spectacular as ever! Where will the 2013 conference expedition take us?

If I was a S.PA.T. member I would have dropped ot on my toe or something  .

Are you saying we are accident prone? I don't think so.
My safety jandals can easily deflect a falling Chionohebe .I know so, because the manufacturer of jandals claim that after exhaustive clinical tests it has been proven that the structural integrity of jandals were not compromised in any way by the rapid descent of any genus of Scrophulariaceae .

I am reassured by the thourghness and efficacy of the testing regime of the manufacturer of your footwear. Bruised toes can be very painful.

I take it you've invested in the North Queenland Safety footwear? I got sent a pic after the cyclone clean-up last year

cheers
fermi

[Doreen Mear]

Fermi: On the Monday immediately following the 2013 Study Weekend, we hope to run with our original plans and organise a day trip to the Craigieburn Skifield. (Just a reminder - the Study Weekend is now rescheduled for Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd February 2013). Look forward to seeing you there!

[ichristie]

Thanks for such magnificent picture they sure make my day as it is Baltic here with some more snow, please can we have some more details about the 2013 conference or is it full ( would not surprise me),  cheers Ian the Christie kind.