As a launching point for a series on the regional floras of New Zealand, Northland is not just geographically convenient. It is one of the most floristically distinctive parts of the country, with a high number of plants confined to this relatively young peninsula at the top of the country.

As with future instalments in this series, this article is not just concerned with plants that are regionally endemic, but also plants that are characteristic of the region, or those that achieve greatest abundance in this area. It is by no means a comprehensive list (for example, kauri is not included), as part of its focus is to put forward species that are little-known or undervalued.

One plant that very firmly fits within this category is Pseudopanax gilliesii, an elegant and compact species that has scarcely registered on the radar of the landscape industry, yet has enormous potential. It is most similar to P. lessonii, but achieves smaller dimensions and bears finer leaves than its near relative. 

P. gilliesii occurs in the area that surrounds Whangaroa harbour, where another Northland endemic perches atop the rocky cliffs that contribute so much to Whangaroa’s spectacular scenery. Coprosma aff. neglecta is one of a number of closely related forms that grow in far-flung parts of Northland’s coastline. In recent years, this low shrub has gained some degree of popularity among landscapers, for its role in establishing low structure within plantings (particularly the Maunganui Bluff form of the species complex, which is grown by Oratia Native Plant Nursery). 

Many of Northland’s endemic species are associated with cliff vegetation. This makes sense, as cliffs act like ‘islands’ within the wider landscape – and this isolation can lead to speciation, especially where unique and demanding conditions are thrown in to the mix. 

The most extreme case study of this is evident at the Surville Cliffs, where a number of species have evolved despite toxic soils and an unforgiving maritime environment. Several of these are horticulturally significant, including Pomaderris paniculosa ssp. novae-zelandiae (a rusty brown-coloured shrub with an expressive, weeping form), a creeping form of Corokia cotoneaster, the diminutive Coprosma distantia, and Coprosma neglecta.

At the opposite end of the altitudinal range, unique plant species endure in the cloud forest of the Waima Range, the system of peaks that hovers to the south of the Hokianga. Of these, the medium-sized tree, Ackama nubicola, caused the most excitement upon its discovery in 2000, although it has not made its way into cultivation. However, its near relative, makamaka (A. rosifolia), which grows in many parts of Northland (including in association with A. nubicola), has been available for many years. Makamaka’s burgundy-tinted foliage and frothy, cream-coloured flowers stake a strong claim for its inclusion in gardens, although one needs to bear in mind that makamaka requires sufficient moisture to succeed.

An attractive groundcover that would be a good shout for the longest name in the New Zealand flora, Mazus novaezeelandiae ssp. impolitus f. hirtus, is now critically endangered, having previously occurred at a number of sites in the Far North. Another critically endangered groundcover, Leptinella rotundata, endures in cliff seepages at a few points along the western coast of Northland. This is a fine groundcover that I have found benefits from growing interlaced with other groundcovers of equal vigour.

Two notable species from forest habitats are the small-leaved Coprosma parviflora and the recently-described and critically endangered Northland horopito, Pseudowintera insperata. The former has been propagated by nurseries for some time, and is an excellent plant for structure, whilst the latter is just coming into cultivation, but demonstrates tremendous potential for a similar purpose. Both of these species deserve the attentions of horticulturists, as does so much of Northland’s distinctive and varied flora.