120729 Vegetation Research

7/31/2019 120729 Vegetation Research

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ecosystemsvegetation

angelayoo

woominlee

hannahsteenson

futurechristchurch.camiayoung.jordonsaunders


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GARDEN CITY OF TODAY

ECO-SYSTEMS

When Sir Ebenezer Howard rst envisioned the Garden city it was areaction to the industrial revolution which began to change cities; com-bining both the economic potential brought by the industrial revolutionalong with the clean environment of the country. However, with cities

continuing to change the notion of this industrial-country-city is be-coming obsolete. Gardens have eectively become decorated walls ofa city making the delineation between green-belt and city greater.What constitutes the green-belt is also becoming increasingly ambig-uous. Is it supposed to be only parks and agricultural areas? The notionof the Garden-city has become increasingly obsolete in contempo-rary times; questioning what the green-belt could be. This researchintends to look into ecosystems, centred on vegetation, as a possiblesource of breaking the boundary between city and green as separatehabitations and green-space which performs to make a new mode of

urban.

The understanding of vegetation and nature stems from analysis of theows and resources across ecosystems.We have attempted to identify the processes that drive and maintainecosystems and recognise opportunities for regeneration. Streams ofbiotic interactions and mutualistic relationships between vegetation

and the ecosystems it supports shows how every component of natureis co-dependent and related within a cycle. The loss of habitat and di-versity of indigenous species can be largely attributed to the activity ofhumans that disrupt the cycle and do not conform as part of the eco-system. Native species are usually adapted to support eachother andthere is real opportunity in restoring native activity to its origins whereit will strive.

ProducersHerbivores

Parasites

ParasitesAnd

Herbivore

Carnivores

Copro- and necrophages

Carnivores

Carnivores II + IIIOmnivores

Decomposers Decomposers

Short Cycle Long Cycle

green parts of the plants

Waste

Saprophages

Roots

phloemstream

(litter)

CO2 of the atmosphere

RespirationR espiration RespirationR espiration

SoilRespiration

Pedosphere

Atmosphere

{{

Consumers


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Canterbury Ground Gradients

Ground Formation

Canterbury was formed millions of yearswhen the ice age came to an end and the

great glaciers of the southern alps began tomelt. Beforehand , the twin cones of

present day banks peninusula rose from thesea forming an island app roximately sixty

ve kilometres to the east of the sorthernalps. When the glaciers carved down the

mountains they created huge valleys,scooped out lakes and tore apart rockspreading silts, clay and a rock our. Rivers

poured from glacier mouths bringing withthem shingle, gravel, sand and clay. The

shingle deposits fanned out as they enteredthe sea where they ultimately overlapped,

and built up, forming the canterbury plains.As this process continued the shingle fans

eventually reached the banks peninsulavolcanoes uniting the island with the

mainland.

Due to the constantly changing coastline,

the eastern edge of canterbury is litteredwith a series of ridges. Excluding the

smoothed edges of volcanoes, formingthe porthills, Christchurch sits on the one

degree slope of the alluvial plain.Swamps and lagoons scattered across the

plain cause localised variations in the

primarily one degree slope of the land.These slight variations introduce a series of

ecosystems within Canterbury.


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FlatGradient 25

cli edges formeddue to erosion andground slip.


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Tussock, Green Skink, Ti Kouka, Kowhai,Pipit,Mikimiki, Young Plains Ecosystems, Ti Kouka, Kotare,Kanuka, Houhere, Piwakawaka, Kohuhu, Mid Age PlainsEcosystems

Kahikatea, Kereru, Manatu, Lush, Totara, Bellbird, Matai,Older Plains Ecosystems,Pukio, Pukeko, Karamu, PeatPlains Ecosystem

Akeake, Riroriro, Ngaio,Old Dune Ecosystem,Pingao,Kuaka, Tauhinu, Young Dune Ecosystem,Oioi,Tuturiwhatu,Marsh Ribbonwood, Estuarine Ecosystem

dry plains

wet plains

coastal plains

port hills

christchurch ecosystems

DRY PLAINS WET PLAINS

The Wet plains have changed drastically since human occupation andthe eects of human activity has seen a severe loss of original plant

and animal species. The Wet Plains historically supported expansive

podocarp (Kahikatea), wetland and swamp forest. Riccarton bush is

the only signicant podocarp wetland forest currently remaining. The

honey eaters, tui and bellbird were important species for pollination

and were all abundant in Canterbury in the past.

COASTAL PLAINS

Coastal plains are divided into two broad ecosystems: the estuarine andthe dunes. Estuaries contain complex ecological conditions due it beingthe point where freshwater meets the sea. Cycles of tides and freshwaterinow produce much variations of water levels and salinities which thevegetation must tolerate in order to survive. Dune vegetation similarlyare exposed to varying salinities and water levels, but also to extendeddurations of drought of which Pingao has especially adapted to.

The dry plains are part of the alluvial oodplain built up by braided riversof Canterbury. Prior to European settlement the plains were covered

with silver tussock grassland with localized woodland areas of Kowhai,

Cabbage trees and Kanuka. Very few of these areas remain within the

citys boundaries, with only a few shrubs, patches of kowhai and areas

of grassland surviving. The grassland areas are cable of supporting an

extensive number of indigenous plant, bird and insect species.

houhere

ti kouka

tussock

kowhai

totara

kahikatea

te kakahi

pukio

akeake

pingao

oioi


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Keruru

Native but notendemic bird

of NZ

dry plains ecosystem

HOUHEREmid age plains ecosystem

moist and deep waimakariri soils

TI KOUKA

mid age plains ecosystem

droughty and shallow waimakariri soils

TUSSOCK

young plains ecosystem

droughty and shallow selwyn soils

KOWHAI

young plains ecosystem

moist and deep selwyn soils

Houhere

Hoheria au-

gustifolia

Tall trees orlarge shrubsendemic toNZ.

Kohuhu

Pittosporum

tenuifolium

Small ever-green treewith colouredfoliage

Fantail

Small nativeinsectivorousbird widelydistributed in

New Zealand.

Insects

Kanuka

Kunzea eri-

codes

A tree orshrub nativeto NZ and SEAustralia

Kakariki

Native smallforest birds.Orange-front-ed parakeetcriticallyendangered

Silvereye

Native but notendemic birdof NZ whicheats fruit ofKaramu anddisperses seed

Native

Fuchsia

Nativetree foundcommonlythroughoutNZ with sweetberry

Insects

Caterpillars,aphids, leafminers

Ti Kouka

Cordyline

australisThe Cabbagetree is en-demic to NZand attractsmany insectsand birds

Tui

Native but notendemic birdof NZ

Bellbird

KorimakoEndemic pas-serine bird ofNZ. Pollina-tors of manynative plants

Lizard

Native geckosand skinks en-demic to NZ.

Insects


Related Na-

tive Plants

Cabbage trees,miro, ax,kowhai, NZ

fuchsia

Kowhai

Saphora

microphyllaTree native toNZ growingthroughoutthe country.Distinctiveyellow

Thick leaved

mikimiki

Coprosma

Crassifolia

Sti bushyshrub

Mikimiki

Coprosma

propinqua

Small leavedshrub of treecommon inscrub

Banded

dotterel

Endemic birdprotected inNZ. Breed ina variety ofhabitats

Lizard

Native geckosand skinks en-demic to NZ.

Silvereye


Related Na-

tive Plants

fuchsia, kow-hai, ax

Insect: Aphids

Insects

Flies, moths

tall trees

small trees/shrub

tussock/grass

bird species

other


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wet plains ecosystem

TOTARA

older plains ecosystem

moist and deep kaiapoi soils

PUKIO

peat plains ecosystem

wet and peaty waimairi and aranui soils

KAHIKATEAolder plains ecosystem

wet taitapu soils

TE KAKAHI

dry or stoney

wet taitapu soils

Totara

Podocarpus

totara

Tall, slowgrowing treeswhich providefruit for native

birds

Keruru

New Zealandpigeon.Endemicto NZ, playimportantecological role

Common

plum tree

The Keruruprefers to eatthe leaves ofthe introducedplum treeplant.

Tui

Endemicpasserine birdof NZ. Mainpollinators ofmany nativeplants

Bellbird

KorimakoEndemic pas-serine bird ofNZ. Pollina-tors of manynative plants

Kahikatea

Dacrycarpus

dacrydioides

Tall native treewhich pro-vides fruit for

native birds

Kanuka

Kunzea eri-

codes

A tree orshrub nativeto NZ and SEAustralia

Manuka

Leptosper-

mum sco-

parium

A small tree orshrub nativeto NZ and SEAustralia

Kakariki

Native smallforest birds.Orange-front-ed parakeetcriticallyendangered

Pukio

Carex secta

Tussock edgeuseful for re-establishingor enhancingwetland areas

Karamu

Coprosma

robusta

Bushy shrub/small tree,widespreadnative species

Kuruwhengi

New ZealandShovelerwhich eatsprimarilythe seeds ofaquatic plants

Keruru, Tui,

BellbirdEndemic birdsof NZ whichdispersethe seeds of

Karamu

Silvereye


Related Na-

tive Plants

Cabbage trees,miro, ax,kowhai, NZ

fuchsia

tall trees

small trees/shrub

tussock/grass

bird species

Related Na-

tive Plants

Beech, Ma-nuka, Kanuka,ax seed, grassseed

Insects

Spiders, in-sects and theirlarvae

Related Na-

tive Plants

fuchsia, kow-hai, ax

Insect: Aphids

Grey

Warbler

Riroriro isa commoninsectivorousbird endemicto NZ

Insects


Fantail

Small nativeinsectivorousbird widelydistributed in

New Zealand.

Matai

Prumnopitys

taxifolia

Endemic

NZ tree

dispersed by

Keruru

other


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coastal plains ecosystem

AKEAKE

old dune ecosystem

droughty waikuku soils

PINGAO

young dune ecosystem

droughty and raw kairaki soils

OIOI

esturine ecosystem

wet and salty motukarara soils

Bracken

Fern

Pteridium

esculentum

Bracken,ground cover

Ngaio

Myoporum

laetum

Native treeto NZ. Fastgrowing ever-green tree

Akeake

Dodonaea

viscosa

Widespreaddistribution.Wood is toughand durable

Grey

Warbler

Riroriro isa commoninsectivorousbird endemicto NZ

Tauhinu

Pomaderris

ericifoliaNationallyendangerednative shrublocated nearcoastal areas

Sand fescue

Austrofestu-

ca littoralis

A tussockwhich grows

with Pingao.

Remuremu

Selliera

RadicansNative coastalgroundcoverwith brightgreen foliage.

Marsh Rib-

bonwood

Plagianthus

divaricatusShrub whichis tolerant tosalty condi-tions.

OiOi

Apodasmia

similis

A tall reedgrowingon NZ saltmarshes.

Fernbird

Insectivorousbird native toNZ, prefer-ing grounddwelling thanying.

Mingimingi

Coprosma

propinqua

Grows

alongside

marsh rib-

bonwood.

Banded Dot-

terel

Native birdfeeding onmolluscs,crustaceansand insects

Pingao

Desmosch-

oenus spi-

ralisA type of sandbinding grass

native to NZ.

Inanga

Known morecommonly aswhitebait, itis a scale-lesssh with a

silvery belly.

Silver Eye

birdA bird nativeto both NZand Australia,it has a fond-ness for fruits.

Insects

The grey war-bler will feedon spiders,insects andtheir larvae

tall trees

small trees/shrub

tussock/grass

bird species

other


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HOUHERE

mid age plains ecosystem

moist and deep waimakariri soils MANUKA KAKARIKI

FUCHSIA TUI, BELLBIRD AND KERERU

Silt

Sand

Minor clay

Sand

Silt

Greywacke stones

Sand

Greywacke stones

Leptospermum scorparium

Manuka and kanuka were once common shrubland plants

of the canterbury plains but numbers have signicantlydecreased as Christchurch city has developed. However, Maori

and Pakeha settlement did cause a shortlived increase in theirnumbers. Manuka is a bushy shrub seldom growing taller

than 5m. Its bark sheds in long papery strips ideal for many

insect species, while after owering it also produces smallwoody seeds. Historically the bark was used by Maori and

European settlers as a poultice for colds, us and stomacheache due to its antibiotic pr operties. Its small pointed leaves

have also been used to make tea. Manuka owers have an

over represented pollen type that has a higher than normalconductivity about 4 times that of normal ower pollen. Thishigh conductivity indicates the high mineral content of the

pollen.

Orange-fronted, yellow-fronted and red-fronted

Kakariki parrots have become increasingly rare in canterbury

with the orange-crowned parakeet (exclusive to canterbury)now highly endangered with less than 200 remaining. They

prefer tall unbroken forrest such as the lowfoot hill beechforrests of the southern alps and the dwindling podocarp

forrests of Christchurch. However, they are know to y

great distances to reach manuka and kanuka trees for thereantibiotic qualities. By using the bark and leaves of Manuka

trees these rare parrots were able to rid themselves ofparasites, and improve the condition of their feathers. They

feed largely on berries such as fuchsia, mahoe and tutu, as well

as the seeds of plants like karo, toe-toe and ax.

MANUKA HONEY

Kotukutuku

Fuchsia is a tree native to New

Zealand and part of the Ona-

graceae family. It is one of few

deciduous trees native to New

Zealand bush and is common in

damp forest margins and regen-

erating areas. It produces large

bell shaped owers changing

colour from blue to red as they

mature, while also producing

large egg shaped berries.

Tui, Bellbirds and Kereru are all birdsnative to New Zealand known primar-ily as honey eaters due to there pre-

ferred diet of ower nectar. However,they have a very diverse diet including

the berries of fuchsia, coprosma and

cabbage trees. They are considered tobe the most important seed distribu-

tors of native new zealand trees due tothere abilities to eat the largest ber-

ries and fruit as well as various smallervarieties.

Bees create honey

from the pollenof the Manuka

and Kanuka treeowers

Manuka honey is producedin New Zealand from both

manuka and kanuka owers.The honey is dark coloured

and strongly avoured with aherb and woody characteristic.

Manuka honeys antibacterialproperties are almost

exclusively caused by itshydrogen peroxide content.

dry plains ecosystem - focus stream

BEES

appropriate ecosystem


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moist and deep kaiapoi soils

Totara

Podocarpus totaraTotara is a podocarp tree endemicto NZ and was once prominent in

the Wet Plains of Christchurch. Itis best suited to full sun or semi-

shade conditions and is dry/wind/wet tolerant. It will readily establish

itself on pasture land and prefersrich moist non-alkaline soil.

The totara is dispersed by native

birds which eat the fruit and ex-crete the seed.

USES:

Totara wood is very durable andcan be used for outdoor landscap-

ing timber and it is also famous forits carving properties making it the

primary wood used for Maori carv-ings. Before Totara forests were de-

pleted, it was also valued for bridge

and wharf construction.

Tui and Bellbird

Endemic passerinebirds of NZ that pri-

marily feed on nectar,fruit and insects. They

are examples of mu-

tualistic coevolutionand pollinate many

native plants (such asmistletoe, fuchsia and

kowhai).

Related NativePlants

Cabbage trees, miro,ax, kowhai, NZ fuch-

sia, mistletoe, Ka-hikatea, kaka beak,

matai, karamu

wet plains ecosystem - focus stream

totara ecosystem

Kereru ( New Zealand Pi-

geon)Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae

Large, enedmic bird of NZ that pri-

marily eats fruits from native trees.This makes the Keruru a crucial link

in ecosystem nutrient cycles as itsupports many native trees that

rely solely on native birds for distri-

bution. Breeding depends on theavailability of fruit.

Keruru feed on podocarp species

such as Totara and distribute the

seeds.

The population of Keruru have de-

clined since human occupation but

they can be found in city gardensand parks.

Common plum tree

The Kereru love to eat the leaves from the common plum tree which

is an introduced species of plant. When a vailability of fruit is scarce,Kereru rely on leaves as a large part of their diet.

Plum trees grown well in fertile, well drained soil. Plums are versatilefruit that are enjoyed by many people. (Fruit, jam, jellies, dried plum,

sauces, desserts)

totara seedtotara bark

maori carving

Bellbird

Kereru

Tui

Native bird species sightings in

Christchurch

Indicates urban habitat and existingbush are suitable for survival



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Kowhai Tree

Sophora microphylla

Kowhai tree grow in mild temperate

maritime climates and are nativetrees to NZ. They are part of the dry

plains ecosystem, but are a food for

grown Shining Cuckoo; especially,attractive to them for their Kowhai

moths larvae and caterpillar.

Kowhai MothUresiphita polygonalis maorialis

Kowhai Moth is a NZ native insect,

whose caterpillars feed on Kowhai,brooms, lupin, gorse and clover.

Magpie MothNyctemera annulata

Magpie Moths are endemic to NZ

which feed particularly on ragwort.

akeake ecosystemdroughty waikuku soils

AkeakeDodonaea viscosa

Meaning forever and ever in Maori,

referring to the strength and durability ofthe wood, it is a tree capable of growing

up to 4m and rarely 9m.

In the Christchurch context, Akeake is an

important part of the dune ecosystem -located in the Coastal plains region - as it

establishes eective shelters to supportlife. Akeake is capable of growing quickly

and with little maintenance; and is evencapable of growing in poor soil conditions.

The rapidly spreading canopy and rootsare the basis of its sheltering abilities

providing both shade to the dry duneclimate as well as eectively stabilising

the surrounding soil; thus, resisting dune

erosions.

On the dunes, it can grow in the centraland peripherial areas. This is possible to its

tolerance to salt spray unlike many othertrees. Seeds are propagated by wind.

USES:

The Akeake tree is useful in many

aspects beyond its benecial impacton the ecosystem. Its hard and durable

wood makes it suitable for parts inthe boat industry and as timber for

small construction. Leaves of the treeare also used in making medicines for

bone-fracture and the treatment ofrheumatism.

Grey WarblerGerygone igata

A bird endemic to New Zealand feeding oinsects, their larvae and spiders. The Grey

warbler or Riorio, has been able to adapt

to civilizations and settlements; hence,being able to be independent of its natural

habitat, the bush. This has been benecialto farmers from an economic point of view

due to it catching insects, rather than fruit.They are active hunters who are never idle

as they perch from tree to tree.

Their special pear-shaped nests hung fromtrees. These nests are protective and are

usually enclosed except for one hole facing

away from the prevailing wind.

Interestingly, the Shining Cuckoo sneaksin an egg during the second batch of eggs.

The Grey Warbler, therefore, raises theShining Cuckoos young in its nests.

Shining Cuckoo, PipiwharauroaChrysococcyx lucidus

Parasitic in that it does not raise its young,

the Shining Cuckoo lays its egg in the nestof a Grey Warbler as it returns to NZ. It

migrates from New Zealand to the Tropicsand returns to lay its eggs.

The Shining Cuckoo is an important bird

in curbing the numbers of the larva of theblack and white magpie-moth (Nyctemera

annulata) and the Kowhai moth (Uresiphita

polygonalis maorialis) as most other birdsavoid them.

coastal plains ecosystem - focus stream



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SAND WITH FERN, FLAX & GRASS

SWAMP & RAUPO

GRASS

ROCKS

TREES

FLAX

FLAX & GRASS

GRASS & FERN

FERN REGIONAL PARK CEMETERY IMPROVED PASTURE

UNIMPROVED PASTURE

REGIONAL PARK WATER

URBAN AREA

ORCHIDS OR VINEYARDS & PASTURE

HORTICULTURAL CROPS & PASTURE

EXOTIC FOREST

GARDEN AND CITY HERITAGE

SPORTS PARK

LOCAL PARK

FERN & FLAX

RIVERS OR STREAMS

CHRISTCHURCH CBD

CATHERDAL

CHRISTCHURCH CBD

1856 Map of Vegetation in ChristchurchMap before European settlement showing Christchurch

Pre-Earthquake Map of Vegetation in ChristchurchMap showing what exists after settlement in by about year 2000

Note:all plantsare indigenous


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Improved Pasture:Well-maintained grassland community with me-dium to high stock density for producing mainlywool, fat lambs, beef, dairy products and deerfarming.

Exotic Forests:Forest planted where exotic species, in particularconifers and broadleaved trees dominate. Theseforests are mostly monocultures, with about 200-400 trees per hectare. Growth is for timber.

Parks with signicant native plants:Within Christchurch the parks Riccarton Bush,Travis Wetland, Horseshoe Lake, Cockayne Reservehave the most native plants. Of these, Riccartonbush has a dense forest of Kahikatea trees. Refer toother maps for information about the diverse plants of natives.

Parks allow for walking, jogging, leisure sports andshing for the puiblic.

Regional Parks:These parks contain a variety of indigenous andexotic vegetations of which some are of special cul-tural importance as it has ties with British history.Parks are mainly for walking, jogging, leisuresports and shing for the public.

Unimproved Pasture:Low rainfall, poor soils and more relaxed pastoralmanagement producing low stock densities, forwool, sheep meat and beef production. Some riskof reversion to shrub and forest.

Local Parks:Parks with mixed indigenous and exotic speciesof vegetation. These are mainly for the p ublic toengage in as civic centres for activities such aswalks, jogging, playing (children), relaxing, cyclingand leisure.

Sports Parks:Parks which are mainly for lesiure activities ofsports and camping. These sites maintain vegeta-tion according to needs of the function, and there-fore, contain mostly controlled exotic plants.

City Gardens & Heritage:A diverse range of exotic and indigenous speciesmaintained intensively for the purpose of viewingand less-physical activities such as walking.

Cemetery:Gardens articially maintained for the sole purposeof honouring those who have left this world. Theseplants vary and are usually exotic.

Orchards/Vineyards and Pasture:A variety of tree and vine crops usually producedclosely with pastoral farming. The main fruitsgrown were apples (pip fruit), pears (pip fruit),plums (stone fruit) and nectarines (stone fruit).

Horticultural Crops and Pasture:Crops are mainly in conjunction with pasture lands(hence, having similar vegetation as pastures)producing both diary and eld crops. Crops areprimarily peas, beans and sweet corn.

Ryegrass(Lolium Perenne)

Pine(PinusRadiata)

Douglas-r(Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Eucalyptus(Eucalyptusspp.)

Kahikatea Tree(Dacrycarpusdacry -

dioides)

Willow Tree(SalixAlba)

Oak Tree(QuercusRobur)

Browntop(AgrostisCapillaris)

Cocksfoot(DactylisGlome rata)

Danthonia(Rytidosperma spp.) Sweet Corn(Zea maysconvar. sac-charata var.rugosa)

Peas(Pisum Sativum)

Beans(Phaseolus vulgaris)

White Clover(Trifolium Repens)

Apples(MalusDomesti ca)

Plums(Prunuscerasifera)

Pears(Pyruscommunis)

Peach(Prunuspersica)

Sweet Vernal(Anthoxanthum odoratum)

Yorkshire Fog(HolcusLanatus)

Yorkshire Fog(HolcusLanatus)

Timothy-grass(Phleum Pratense)

Chewing Fescue(Festuca Nigricans)

Red Clover(Trifolium Pratense)

Public Use

Conservation Farming

Map of Pre-Earthquake ChristchurchThis map highlights the various activities associated withvegetation within christchurch. As shown, it shows tha t humanimpacts are great ranging from farming, conservation to publicdomains.

Maize, beans

Crop Rotation

VegetablesPasture

Documents

120729 Vegetation Research