Story: Conifer–broadleaf forests

Forest interior

Forest interior

New Zealand’s conifer–broadleaf forests are quite different from northern hemisphere temperate forests. They are evergreen and rich in plant species, with a layered structure. Massive trees emerge above a canopy of tall trees and an understorey of shrubs and tree ferns. Climbing and perching plants are common and clothe most of the large trees. The forest floor is dominated by ferns, mosses and liverworts.

Download Herbert Guthrie-Smith’s vivid description of the forest from his 1921 book Tutira: the story of a New Zealand sheep station (76 KB).

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: AAQA 6500 Col1500
Photograph by John Johns

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

John Dawson, 'Conifer–broadleaf forests - Overview and features', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/11651/forest-interior (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by John Dawson, published 24 Sep 2007