This is low-alpine snow tussock grassland at around 1,400 metres on Denham Ridge in the Tararua Range. Differences in landscape stability and soils are reflected by the two dominant tussock species. Broad-leaved snow tussocks (Chionochloa flavescens) grow in mature, low-nutrient, poorly-drained soils on stable sites (right). Mid-ribbed snow tussocks (C. pallens), with dark green leatherwood shrubs (Olearia colensoi) and silvery Astelia nervosa grow on a recent slump, with well-drained, more fertile soils (left).
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
University of Otago
Photograph by Alan Mark
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