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New Zealand has a rich and varied flora, with many endemic species. Over 10 percent of New Zealand's flora is threatened, often due to habitat modification or destruction. Plants from such habitats are among the plants grown in the Native Plant Collection.

A range of plants from the Chatham Islands and Sub-Antarctic Islands is grown around the Botanic Garden Centre. Other unique collections include the Alpine Scree and the Native Plant Wetland which are flourishing in their artificial environment.

Grasses and tussocks are grown throughout the borders to provide contrast with the trees and shrubs. Endemic conifers and a mixture of southern beech and other hardwood tree species create a framework for this collection.

The Wetland and Alpine scree are aesthetic landscape features,  based on a representation of these types of natural habitats. It is a challenging but rewarding way to display and group these plants.

Significant plants in the Native Plant Collection

Asteraceae

Brachyglottis greyi

The Asteraceae collection represents the most species rich family of NZ plants, 287 indigenous species of which 261 are endemic. This collection is not comprehensive but does represent the diversity of plant habit within the family, from the herbaceous Celmisia genus to shrubby Brachyglottis species and also our tree daisies such as Olearia fragrantissima.

Divaricating plants

The divaricating border distinguishes itself by the growth habits and appearances of the plants. They have small leaves and interlacing branchlets making them look alike, however they belong to a number of different families.

New Zealand has a high incidence of divaricating plants. Nearly every plant with a divaricate habit has a close relative that doesn't share this habit. Some maintain this form throughout their lives and others only during their juvenile phase, often looking quite different once they have reached adulthood.