Sand Dunes

Dunes consist of wind and wave deposited sand giving extreme drainage, extremely poor soil moisture and nutrients. The climate is exposed to sea winds and salt spray but little chance of frost. Because of frequent disturbance plants in this environment are typically intolerant of shade. This is a sucessional environment, as soil develops a more diverse flora will emerge.  Plants are listed in order of tolerance of the extremes of this environment.

• Muehlenbeckia complexa pohuehue

• Calystegia soldanella nihinihi

• Desmoschoenus spiralis pingao

• Coprosma acerosa

As soil begins to develop these shrubs appear

• Metrosideros excelsa pohutokawa

• Pittosporum crassifolium karo

• Leucopogon fasciculatus mingimingi

• Pseudopanx lessonii