Story: Shrublands

Scotch heather, Tongariro National Park

Scotch heather, Tongariro National Park

Scotch heather was planted in Tongariro National Park from 1912 to 1922 to provide a habitat for grouse. Although the birds were never introduced, the plant flourished and was soon widespread through the park’s red tussocklands. Heather forms dense stands, and shades out native plants. It is now listed as an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993 – it is illegal to sell or spread it within New Zealand.

Using this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10051258
Photograph by Susan M. Timmins

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Shrublands - Mountain shrublands', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/14535/scotch-heather-tongariro-national-park (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 24 Sep 2007