Beech tree
Image:
James Mortimer
Native plants
Introduction
The native flora of New Zealand is unique as it evolved in isolation for millions of years.80% of our trees, ferns and flowering plants are endemic (found only in New Zealand).
About 10–15% of the total land area of New Zealand is covered with native flora, from tall kauri and kohekohe forests to rainforest dominated by rimu, beech, tawa, matai and rata; ferns and flax; dunelands with their spinifex and pingao; alpine and subalpine herb fields; and scrub and tussock.
