Carmichaelia curta

Native brooms in the genus Carmichaelia have a variety of growth habits, from small trees to low-growing shrubs, and even one climbing species. They have characteristic ‘pea flowers’ which can be very showy in some species. Many grow in areas that have potential for afforestation, and most are susceptible to browsing by stock and feral animals. As a consequence, several species are threatened.

Key Features

• Carmichaelia curta is a sprawling, rushlike, sparsely-branched broom, forming low patches.
• New branches have a purplish bloom, and flowers are small and purplish-white.

Distribution and Habitat

• South Island, in South Canterbury and North Otago, Waitaki Valley and Maniototo.
• The habitat of C. curta is dry fans and rocky outcrops, river terraces, and cliffs. It often occurs in disturbed sites such as roadside cuttings.

Threats

• Browse by stock and feral animals.
• Habitat modification and loss.
• Competition from grasses and weeds.
• Weed spraying.

Management Opportunities

• Survey for new locations.
• Mark known sites.
• Avoid using chemical weed control in areas where C. curta is present.
• Protection of habitat.
• Collect seed for propagation and translocation to secure sites.
• Control of weeds, stock and feral browsing animals.
• Ensure that forest owners are aware of potential habitats and can recognise the species.

Monitoring Options

• Check existing populations annually.
• Report new locations to DOC, NZPCN.

Further Information and Support

• New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (NZPCN). http://www.nzpcn.org.nz
• Pest and weed control - Department of Conservation, Regional Councils.
• References:
  • Dopson et al. (1999). The conservation requirements of New Zealand’s nationally threatened vascular plants. Threatened Species Occasional Publication 13. Department of Conservation, Wellington.
  • Peter de Lange, Peter Heenan, David Norton, Jeremy Rolfe and John Sawyer (2010). Threatened Plants of New Zealand. Canterbury University Press, Christchurch. 472 pp.