Story: Grasslands

Two tussocks

Two tussocks

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).

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University of Otago
Photograph by Alan Mark

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How to cite this page:

Alan F. Mark, 'Grasslands - Types of tussock', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13354/two-tussocks (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Alan F. Mark, published 24 Sep 2007