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ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS AT  BREAM HEAD

NORTHLAND

A study of Environmental Weeds found on the coastal fringe of Bream Head and in private gardens at Ocean Beach and Urquharts Bay

Wendy Holland

November 1997

I would especially like to thank Jack Craw, from The Northland Regional Council, for his enthusiasm and support for this project, and for his expert advice, help and knowledge to which he always gave freely. Also thanks to Jack for making available the services of the Auckland Institute and Museum Herbarium to me for some tricky plant identifications and for also extending me the use of Jenny Fullers and Dr Andrea Julian excellent thesis on weeds in the Waitakere Ranges.

I would also like to thank Keith Doar, from The Department of Conservation Field Centre, for allowing me to duplicate an excellent aerial map of Bream Head which was invaluable and is very much prized.

Thanks to Garth Mitchell for an excellent boat survey trip.

Last but not least, a big thank you to Vince Kerr, for his direction and dedication to this course, Environmental Management.

To highlight the impact of environmental weeds on our natural environment I chose to undertake a Coastal Fringe Weed Survey of the Bream Head Scenic Reserve.

I wanted to know what weeds are presently effecting this environment. I also wanted know what potential threats face this significant, coastal environment.

A list of 106 environmental weeds were chosen from The Department of Conservation database, under instruction from Jack Craw, from The Northland Regional Council (NRC)

Ecological weeds on conservation land in New Zealand: a database (1996)

After the surveys started a further 20 weeds were considered from the database that were noted in -

Out of personal investigation I noted a further 10 weed species that I considered relevant but were not mentioned at all in the database.

One way of evaluating the weed situation at Bream Head was to combine my research with an inventory of environmental weeds present in private gardens at Ocean Beach and Urquharts Bay - the two settlements that, if you like, define the beginning and end of The Bream Head Scenic Reserve. (See Map)

Ocean Beach, Urquharts Bay and The Bream Head Scenic Reserve are collectively referred to in this report as Bream Head.

Many garden plants have the potential to ‘escape’ from our private gardens and make their residence in natural environments where they can continue to spread, ‘naturalise’ and invade.

My Private Garden Weed Inventory survey highlighted the presence of many environmental weeds in private gardens. Plants that are often considered by their ‘owners’ to be desireable, attractive and harmless.

In total out of 137 considered weed species, 70 environmental weeds where present in either gardens at Ocean Beach or Urquharts Bay.

The results of the Coastal Fringe Weed Survey showed the presence of 19 environmental weed species impacting on the coastal fringe of Bream Head, with the addition of 6 weed species that I recorded as being ‘relevant’.

What are environmental weeds? Environmental weeds are invasive plants.

Here is a definition offered by Cronk and Fuller 1995.

"We define invasive plants as

Environmental weeds have the potential to significantly degrade New Zealand’s natural environment. (Fromont 1992) The impact of environmental weeds throughout the country is already significant.

In Northland, the threat of environmental weeds is esculating and is heading towards explosive proportions as the adaption of weed species starts to show its potential.

(Fromont 1992)

Northlands climate is largely subtropical. It is warm and moist so therefore with these ‘favourable’ attributes it is not surprising that Northland hosts one of the highest ranges of environmental weeds in the country. (Williams and Timmins 1990)

There is perhaps 100 or so environmental weeds affecting the intrinsic value of Northlands renowned high value ecosystems. (Fromont 1992)

In 1992, Fromont, commented that the status of environmental weeds was still in its "infancy" and therefore if acted upon now many weeds could be controlled and managed. However she goes on to say that "...the situation may not persist for long, (perhaps several more years)."

Here we are in 1997 and we are all still struggling to come to terms with the threat of environmental weeds -

Who is responsible for the management of environmental weeds?

How can we controll and manage environmental weeds?

"Invasion of natural communities, in many parts of the world, by introducted plants, especially woody species, constitutes one of the most serious threats to their survival, although it is one that is not fully acknowledged by conservationalists."

(Cronk and Fuller 1995)

The results of my research at Bream Head were derived from two surveys:

B PRIVATE GARDEN WEED INVENTORY AT OCEAN BEACH

AND URQUHARTS BAY

All data for the two surveys were recorded on survey sheets, (see appendix).

The list of environmental weeds that the survey encompassed was derived from:

Ecological weeds on conservation land in New Zealand: a database

(DOC, October 1996)

Jack Craw, from The Northland Regional Council, isolated a list of weeds from the database that were to be noted for this survey. Additional weeds were added as a result of observations made during the surveys.

Abundance Estimates were used to gauge the density of weeds present within an area.

This is highly subjective but, especially for the recorder, helps to establish the ‘threat’ of weeds (density) and therefore can be used to aid in any weed management strategies.

As a guide, this is my analysis of Abundance Estimates:

Abundance Estimates: 1=Rare 2=Occasional 3=Common 4=Abundance 5=Dominant

The area of Bream Head for this survey is the area from and including Ocean Beach around the coast of Bream Head to and including Urquharts Bay up until the intersection of Urquharts Bay Road and Ocean Beach Road.

The coastal fringe at Bream Head comprises areas of sandy beaches, rocky foreshore, pebbly beaches, and sheer cliff faces.

Two main methods were used for the collection of data.

1 Transects and Quadrats

2 Weeds surveyed 10 metres above MHWM

1 Transects and quadrats were used for sandy beach areas around the coastal fringe of Bream Head. The areas where this methodology was used were:

- Smugglers Bay

- Lighthouse Bay

- Ocean Beach

Horizontal transect lines were used.

Transect lines were placed at distances above the Mean High Water Mark. (MHWM)

For this survey the MHWM was defined at being the average line on the beach between a high, high tide and a low, low tide.

Smugglers Bay: 2 Transects

1 Transect: 15 metres above MHWM

2 Transect: 10 metres above MHWM

Quadrats: 1 metre quadrats at 10 metre intervals

Lighthouse Bay: 1 Transect

1 Transect: 15 metres above MHWM

Quadrats: 1 metre quadrats at 10 metre intervals

Ocean Beach: 2 Transects

1 Transect: 30 metres above MHWM

2 Transect: 20 metres above MHWM

Quadrats: 1 metre quadrats at 10 metre intervals

2 Weeds were surveyed on the remaining coastal fringe approximately 10 metres above the MHWM.

The aim was to walk along the foreshore and view and note any apparent weeds within these parameters. Binoculars were used where necessary.

Boat surveys were used were foot access was an obstacle.

Two boat surveys were conducted.

1 An area between Smugglers Bay and Peach Cove.

2 An area between Cabbage Tree Flat and around The Old Woman.

The results of the boat survey were, unfortunately, inadequate and can only be used as a scan of the presence of weeds in these particular areas.

A total of 27 weed species were found around the coastal fringe of Bream Head.

List derived from: Ecological weeds on conservation land in New Zealand: a

database

( October 1996)

(Note: Weed management sheets stylised from Fuller and Julian 1995 -

Species information sheets and Fromont and King 1992 - Weeds of Northland Protected Natural Areas.

Mexican devil

Distribution/General abundance in Northland

Common throughout Northland. (Fromont and King 1992)

Widespread and spreading. (DOC database 1996)

Survey Results

Only recorded once on the coastal fringe at Peach Cove.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Perennial. Begins flowering October/November - can flower for 6 months.

Abundant seed and high seed viability, (viability perhaps less than one year). (Fromont and King 1992) Wind blown seed, capable of fertilising self. (Champion 1995 cited in Fuller and Julian 1995) Branches that collapse and come into contact with soil can root. (Morris, 1991 cited in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Environmental requirements

Is very tolerant of wet conditions, high light levels and some shade.

(Fromont and King 1992)

Effects on native ecosytems

Effects a wide range of habitats including, shrublands, openlands, and sand dunes.

(Fromont and King 1992) Can suppress native regeneration and suppress

surrounding vegetation if flowering stems collapse. (Fromont and King 1992)

Control methods/Management

"A biological control agent (stem gall fly) was introduced in 1958, and most

plants seem are host to this (Timmins 1994 sighted in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Physically remove smaller infestations and control plants when they are

flowering not seeding. (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Chemicals: Escort and Round-up. (Timmins 1994 sighted in Fuller and Julian 1995) Could be easily removed by hand on sighted area on the coastal fringe at Peach Cove and replaced with natives however, there is a large pool of mexican devil in and around the Peach Cove area.

Marram grass

Distribution/General abundance in Northland

Marram is more aggressive in more cooler southern NZ climates. (Crowe 1995)

Widespread and spreading in Northland. (DOC database 1996)

Only recorded in one spot at Ocean Beach.

Forms grassy clumps.Long narrow seed head, wind dispersed. Most seed germinates in Autumn. (Williams and Timmin 1990)

A network of fine, tough roots extending up to 4

metres. Buried plants send up new leaves and roots. (Crowe 1995)

Environmental requirements

Found on sand dunes (shifting sand only) Frost tolerant and drought tolerant.

Effects on native ecosystems

Can contribute to changing sand dune habitats (along with lupins, kikuyu and

other exotics) inevitably excluding native species like Pingao. (Given 1981)

Control methods/Management

Could be easily removed by hand at Ocean Beach and excluded entirely.

Spinifex is the dominant sand binder at Ocean Beach.

Smilax

"Fairly common in parts of Northland, especially around townships."

(Fromont and King 1992) Plant is spreading. (DOC database 1996)

A major environmental weed in parts of Australia. (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Survey results

The only weed found on Moturaka Island. Particularly common from Light-

house Bay to the Old Woman. Infestations just taking hold at Ocean Beach in

the sand and also in the bush area before Home Bay.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Non- woody perennial ground cover/climber."Fertile bird dispersed seed." (Healy and Edgar 1980 cited in Fuller and Julian 1995) "Rhizomes will regenerate if a growing apex is present." (Champion 1995 cited in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Environmental requirements

"Tolerant of most soil types except wet." (Esler, pers. comm. cited in Fuller

and Julian 1995)

Effects on native ecosystems

"Scrambling or twining perennial. Forms dense cover preventing germination of

other species. Smothers shrubs and trees. Able to grow in disturbed and open

forest, gumland openlands and sand dunes." (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Control methods/Management

"Physical control must include removal of root stock." "Biocontrol options

are being investigated in Australia." (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Chemicals: Round-up (Fromont and King 1992)

Increasingly taking hold within the Bream Head area.

Could be controlled effectively by physical removal at Ocean Beach and Moturaka Island especially with on-going monitoring.

Large pool of this weed in the ecological region.

Pampas grass

Distribution/General abundance in Northland

Common throughout Northland - sand dunes, coastal cliffs, forest gaps, margins

and streams generally. (Fuller and Julian 1995 and Fromont and King 1992)

Survey Results

A fairly major weed occuring throughout the coastal fringe of Bream Head.

Especially common naturalising on slip areas, notably from the end of Home Bay

beach to the beginning of Smugglers Bay. Also plants growing right on the rocky

foreshore - often plants that have tumbled down and taken root.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Large perennial grassy clump.Wind dispersed seed, incredibly prolific - ability to produce up to 100,000 seed per head. (Champion 1995 cited in Fuller and Julian 1995) Individual plants can infest a given site as all plants are female and therefore produce fertile seed. (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Environmental requirements

Adults are tolerant of some shade but seedlings are not.

Plants are frost tolerant. Burning off only accelerates infestations as plants regrow

and a desireable seed bed is made for new plants. (Fromont and King 1992)

Efficient coloniser and will inhibit native species.

Control methods/Management

Physically remove small plants.

Chemicals: Gallant, Roundup, Zero. (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Individual plants on the rocky foreshore and beach areas could be controlled

at Bream Head. Plus the removal of any smaller plants where sited.

Monitoring of new slips around Bream Head and suitable action taken like

revegetation of slips to inhibit major colonisation of Pampas could be

considered. Large pool of Pampas in the ecological region.

Species common name

Cotoneaster

Distribution/General abundance in Northland

Plant is widespread. (DOC database 1996)

One plant recorded just past Urquharts Bay growing out of a Pohutukawa.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Woody shrub. Dispersed by birds. Abundant seed. Bees attracted to flowers. (Huxley et al., 1992 cited in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Environmental requirements

Tolerates moderate shade. Generally prefers good drainage but can tolerate

poor drainage. (Fromont and King 1992)

Effects on native ecosystems

Spreading shrub 1-4 m high. Competes with natives (shrublands, bluffs, gumlands).

Can form dense thickets. (Craw 1994)

Control methods/Management

Hand pull seedlings.

Chemicals: Escort, sprayed or painted on stump. (Craw 1994)

Only recorded once just around from Urquharts Bay growing out of a

Pohutukawa. Could be sawed off and stump painted.

There is a large pool of Cotoneaster in the ecological area.

Erigeron karvinskianus

Species common name

Mexican daisy, erigeron daisy

Distribution/General abundance in Northland

Common in Northland. Plant is spreading. (DOC database 1996)

Survey Results

Recorded once on coastal rocky bank at Peach Cove. Known infestations on the

bluffs in the Peach Cove area.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Perennial ground cover.Wind dispersed seeds, prolific. Plants can form dense mats.

Environmental requirements

Sun and semi-shade. Intolerant of poor drainage. (Huxley et al., 1992 cited in

Fuller and Julian 1995)

Effects on native ecosystems

"Major smothering effect on groulnd covering plants and plants of cliffs,

rocky places, openlands and streamside." (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Excludes and inhibits natives.

Control methods/Management

Pull out occasional plants.

Chemicals: Clopyralid but could have a damaging effect on natives.

(Champion 1995 cited in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Recorded infestation could be physically removed at survey site.

However known large infestations on bluffs within the area.

Species common name

Loquat

Distribution/General abundance in Northland

Common around townships and occasionally in rural areas. (Fromont and King 1992) Mainly isolated but spreading. (DOC database 1996)

Seen dotted on roadsides out to Whangarei Heads.

Survey Results

Only recorded once on the grass verge at Urquharts Bay.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Tree whose large fruit are known to be eaten by Kukupa and thus can be spread into light forest. Is often spread by humans (Fromont and King 1992)

Sun and semi-shade. Can tolerate frost but dislikes cold winds.

(Huxley et al., 1992 cited in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Tolerates both dry and wet spots. (Fromont and King 1992)

Effects on native ecosystems

Has the ability to affect undisturbed forests. (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Can replace some mid-tier shrubs and trees. (Fromont and King 1992)

Control methods/Management

Hand pull small plants.

Chemicals: Escort, Tordon. Can paint stumps with solution of Tordon.

(Fromont amd King 1992)

Recorded plant at Urquharts Bay could be easily removed by hand.

Quite a few loquat trees within the private residence area and ecological area.

Species common name

Willow-leaved hakea

Widespread in Northland. (DOC database 1996)

Survey Results

Recorded at one site between end of Smugglers Bay and the Peach Cove area.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Wind dispersed seed.

Environmental requirements

Can tolerate shade and frost and extremely drought tolerant. (Timmins 1994

cited in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Effects on native ecosystems

Tree/shrub. Can compete with natives in coastal environments. (MacArthur, pers comm cited in Fuller and Julian 1995) Threat because of its height, shade

tolerance and longevity. (Esler pers. comm cited in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Control methods/Management

Physically remove seedlings.

Chemicals: Needs investigation. (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Remove seeds on dead trees as they can germinate. (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Area where hakea was recorded, several seedlings where removed by me.

One approximately 3.0 metre tree sited. Could be physically removed and

seed disposed off responsibly.

Species common name

Stinking iris

Mainly isolated status in Northland. (DOC database 1996)

Survey Results

Recorded only on the grass verge at Urquharts Bay. Represented in

private gardens in the area.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Perennial forming clumps. Bird dispersed seed..

Environmental requirements

Prefers shade but does grow out in the open.

Effects on native ecosystems

Forms clumps reducing habitat for native habitat and bird dispersal poses threat

to gaps in forest.

Control methods/Management

Unknown. (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Author has experienced eradicating small to medium infestations by physical

removal.

Plants recorded at Urquharts Bay could be hand pulled. Clumps recorded in

private gardens in the area. May have resulted on the coastal fringe by the

dumping of garden ‘waste’.

Tree lupin

Distribution/General abundance in Northland

Isolated or confined distribution. (DOC database 1996)

Survey Results

Recorded only at Ocean Beach.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Shrub, woody perennial. Seed dispersed by gravity, fertile seeds in pods. (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Environmental requirements

Prefers loose soils and can tolerate sea spray. (Sykes and Wilson 1988 cited in

Fuller and Julian 1995)

Effects on native ecosystems

Reduces habitat for natives on sand dunes and other open areas. Affects composition of soil as is nitrogen fixing (legume).

Control methods/Management

Physically remove occasional plants.

Chemicals: Various. (Matthews 1975 cited in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Recommend physical removal at Ocean Beach making sure seeds were

removed from site as well.

Kikuyu

Distribution/General abundance in Northland

Widespread as lawn species, pasture plant, throughout Northland and common on roadsides, reserves etc,.

Survey Results

Areas that were once grazed ie, Smugglers Beach, around the Old Woman and

Lighthouse Bay and from Urquharts Bay around to Home Bay, kikuyu is very

abundant/dominant. Problem areas are Ocean Beach on sand dunes, Lighthouse Bay. Example: Pimelia arenaria at Ocean Beach could be threathened further

by spreading infestations of Kikuyu.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Sets seed easily and spread is often by vegetative means from pieces breaking

off and sprouting. (Timmins 1994 cited in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Environmental requirements

Frost and drought tolerant and can tolerate some shade. (Timmins 1994 cited

in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Effects on native ecosystems

Has the ability to be especially invasive on sand dunes and cliffs and can also

effect forest margins and disturbed sites. (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Control methods/Management

Can physically remove spot infestations.

Chemicals: Roundup with Pulse, Gallant, Dowpon. (Fuller and Julian 1995)

At Ocean Beach and Lighthouse Bay infestations on sand dunes could be

manually removed with monitoring.

Phytolacca octandra

Inkweed

Distribution/General abundance in Northland

Widespread. (DOC database 1996)

Survey Results

Very common growing amongst Kikuyu pasture around from Urquharts Bay to

the end of Home Bay beach.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Small shrubby perennial. Seed dispersed by birds, feral animals or light winds.

(DOC database 1996)

Environmental requirements

Will grow in semi-shade and out in the open.

Effects on native ecosystems

Basically has a minor effect on native ecosystems.

Needs to be determined but DOC database indicated possible management.

Minor infestations could be physically removed by hand.

Species common name

Sydney wattle

Distribution/General abundance in Northland

Widespread. (DOC database 1996)

Survey Results

Two trees only found just past Urquharts Bay. Infestations quite common

especially viewed on roadside around Urquharts Bay.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Tree. Seeds in pods. Probably spread by gravity or possibly garden waste dumping

in survey record.

Environmental requirements

Maritime environment. (DOC database 1996) Drought tolerant.

Effects on native ecosystems

Can have a major impact on native habitats. (DOC database 1996)

Control methods/Management

Physical control.

Racosperma paradoxum will not grow back if cut back to ground level.

(Parsons and Cuthbertson 1992 cited in Fuller and Julian 1995)

The two trees recorded around from Urquharts Bay could be physically

removed.

Species common name

German ivy

Distribution/General abundance in Northland

Especially evident on roadsides and coastal areas. (Fromont and King 1992)

Spreading. (DOC database 1996)

Survey Results

Isolated patches at Urquharts Bay but very common within the area, roadside etc,.

At Ocean Beach outside survey parameters german ivy is impacting in

consolidated areas.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Wiry climber. Wind dispersal. Is fast growing with strong wiry stems. (Fromont and King 1992)

Environmental requirements

Will tolerate semi-shade.

Can smother and outshade plants, shrubs, trees and even sub-canopy.

Will also spread along the ground inhibiting native regeneration.

(Fromont and King 1992)

Control methods/Management

Physically remove small infestations.

Chemicals: Glyphosate or Escort. (Craw 1994)

Plants could be physically removed from the Urquharts Bay grass verge.

This weed at Ocean Beach needs to be investigated where infestations

are noticeably spreading.

Species common name

Apple of sodom

Isolated. (DOC database 1996)

Commonly found from end of Urquharts Bay to the end of Home Bay beach

growing amongst Kikuyu and on soil clad coastal banks.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Perennial shrub. Dried fruit is dispersed by wind otherwise large tomate like fruit is dispersed by gravity. (Parsons and Cuthbertson 1992 cited in Fuller and Julian 1995) Can be spread by cattle. (Esler, pers. comm. cited in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Environmental requirements

Likes sandy soils and sub-tropical conditions. (Parsons and Cuthertson 1992

cited in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Effects on native ecosystems

Small, often spreading perennial shrub that can effect regeneration and can

inhibit native sand plants. (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Control methods/Management

Pull out plants.

Chemicals: 2, 4-D on young plants and amitrole T on adult plants.

(Parsons and Cuthbertson 1992 cited in Fuller and Julian 1995)

Cattle are still grazing in the majority of the area where inkweed is prevalent.

Where there are plants growing away from the open kikuyu pasture, amongst

native vegetation, physical removal would be feasible.

Species common name

Gorse

Distribution/General abundance in Northland

Widespread throughout. (DOC database 1996)

Survey Results

Major infestations viewed from Lighthouse Bay towards the Old Woman

Patches reasonably common within coastal fringe parameters of this area.

Otherwise remaining coastal survey only isolated patches recorded however larger

gorse areas viewed in open patches around the coast. One patch recorded in

survey at Ocean Beach however large areas of gorse outside survey parameters.

Reproduction and spread characteristics

Seed pods explode and disperse.

Ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions

Effects on native ecosystems

Successional regeneration will occur in forested areas. Gorse is growing

in sand at Ocean Beach and therefore the successional process will not

happen so control/eradication /intervention is needed and plants should be

removed.

Control methods/Management

Biological controls have been released in New Zealand. (Fuller and Julian 1995)

Chemicals: Various

On sand areas like at Ocean Beach or on rocky foreshore, plants should be

eradicated.

Species common name: Unknown

Notes: Hardy succulent, prickly ground cover. Sited growing on grass verge at Urquharts Bay, possibly having been physically planted there by local residents. A couple of large areas of this aloe growing on banks in the area.

Species common name: Arctotis

Notes: Perennial dense ground cover. Very common in private gardens in the Ocean Beach Urquharts Bay area.

Noted growing in the sand at Ocean Beach. More than likely the original plants growing on the beach were planted by enthusiastic residents however this ground cover plant is spreading and significantly reducing areas normally made available for native species.

Species common name: Sea rocket

Notes: Annual. Widespread throughout New Zealand on sandy and stony beaches. Is not percieved as a threat. (Ewen Cameron cited in DOC database 1996) Has lilac petalled flowers, flowering late spring to summer. (Crowe 1995) Sea rocket is

growing in patches at Ocean Beach but is very common at Smugglers Bay.

Species common name: Ice plant

Notes: Low growing, mat forming ground cover. Grows on cliffs and dunes and is a naturalised ecological weed in Auckland.

(DOC database 1996) Was probably originally planted in the sand at Ocean Beach but

is spreading, quite dramatically, covering large areas at Ocean Beach and is spreading on to Proctors Beach. Is competing with Pingao especially at Ocean Beach.

Species common name: Clover

Notes: Common lawn and garden weed.Was noted growing at Lighthouse Bay. Probably of no consequence.

Species common name: Fennel

Notes: Tall perennial herb, dies down over Winter. As a weed is not considered significant. Two plants listed on Raoul Island.

(DOC database 1996). For survey listed as occuring at Urquharts Bay and in pockets out form Urquharts Bay towards Home Bay.

Species common name: Gladiolus

Notes: Bulb, forming clumps. Salt tolerant and can be weedy.( Ewen Cameron cited in DOC database 1996) Recorded growing in a patch on the rocky foreshore just before Smugglers Bay where bulbs were probably carried on the tide to be washed up on the rocky foreshore. I have seen significant areas of this specie growing behind the sand dunes at Lighthouse Bay and large areas growing by a major stream at Kauri Mountain beach, both areas north of Ocean Beach.

Species common name: Harestail

Notes: Annual forming grassy tufts. Is common in coastal habitat throughout New Zealand. (Crowe 1995) Needs sun. Seed heads in summer. In survey found at Ocean Beach and a small patch at Lighthouse Bay.

Doesn’t seem to inhibit native plants. (personal opinion)

Species common name: Deadly nightshade

Notes: Found growing isolated at Smugglers Bay.

Species common name: Buffalo grass

Notes: Is noted in section of DOC database 1996: Species yet to be included on the database. Can be smothering in coastal areas. (Ewen Cameron cited in DOC database 1996) Plants recorded at Ocean Beach and Lighthouse Bay thus reducing habitat for native species and inhibiting their growth. There is an area of Pimelea arenaria that could be suspectible to the smothering habit of buffalo grass. There is a large grassy patch growing with Kikuyu just before Smugglers Bay, where, managed revegetation would eventually replace the grass.

Species common name: Dandelion

Notes: Common lawn weed. Growing in patches at Ocean Beach. Weeding around an

area of Pimelia arenaria may be advantageous - Pimelea arenaria is rare in the region.

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