Geothermal kānuka Kunzea tenuicaulis

Key Features

• Geothermal kānuka is a shrub or small, much-branched tree inhabiting geothermal areas of the Taupo Volcanic Zone.
• The grey bark is loose and flakes readily into small irregular shards.
• Branches are sinuous and slender.
• Branchlets are numerous, slender, and often pendulous, with young stems copiously covered in short erect hairs.
• Leaves are numerous and up to 10 mm long (usually much less).
• Early flowering, flowers white, up to 9 mm diameter, borne in dense clusters.
• The fruit is a small dry capsule 1.0–3.3 × 1.6–3.2 mm.

Distribution and Habitat

• Endemic to geothermal sites in the North Island and their immediate surroundings from Kawerau south to Tokaanu.

Threats

• Habitat modification and loss.
• Weeds such as wilding conifers and blackberry shading geothermal habitat.
• The potential effects of myrtle rust on this species is unknown.
• Fire and land clearance.
• Changes to geothermal fields as a result of energy extraction.

Management Opportunities

• Survey geothermal areas to assess botanical values present and provide information to landowners.
• Monitor populations.
• Protection of habitat.
• Ensure that forest owners are aware of potential habitats and can recognise the species.

Monitoring Options

• Check existing populations on a regular basis e.g. annually.
• Report new locations to DOC.
• Further Information and Support
• Weed control - Department of Conservation, Regional Councils.

References

• de Lange P.J (2014). A revision of the New Zealand Kunzea ericoides (Myrtaceae) complex. PhytoKeys 40: 1–185.
• New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (NZPCN). http://www.nzpcn.org.nz