Terrestrial plant community

Terrestrial plant species found at Moa Point are a mix of native and introduced species.  They include tall woody plants, low growing herbaceous plants, grasses, ferns, mosses, liverworts and lichens.

Over 100 species of seed plant, ferns, lichens, moss, liverwort and seaweed were collected from Moa Point. This total comprised approximately 69 indigenous and 33 naturalised plant species.

The terrestrial plant community on Hue te Taka Peninsula at Moa Point is a good example of a naturally occurring low stature coastal plant community.  Many species that grow here are found throughout New Zealand. 

The largest naturally occurring plants include Coprosma repens (taupata) and Plagianthus divaricatus (saltmarsh ribbonwood) which grow to 1 or 2 metres tall.  Some of the smaller native seed plants, including Selliera radicans (remuremu), Sarcocornia quinqueflora (glasswort), Cotula coronopifolia (bachelor’s button) and Samolus repens (sea primrose), form characteristic turf fields on low lying depressions.  These species are found in coastal habitats all over New Zealand. Ferns are uncommon in this harsh environment.  Among the moss species is an uncommon Australian self-introduction.

Some introduced plants have the ability to alter the composition and stature of the plant community.  Karo (Pittosporum crassifolium) has previously colonised the peninsula from the adjacent hillside.  Karo is native to the northern half of the North Island, but has the ability to out compete lower growing species and change the natural character and composition of this plant community. Gazania rigens, an exotic yellow-flowered daisy, encroaches on habitat occupied by the native turf species and Pimelea prostrata (pinatoro).  Wellington City Council has controlled these invasive species in the past and may continue to do so.