Weeping broom Carmichaelia stevensonii

Carmichaelia stevensonii flowers
Carmichaelia stevensonii
Carmichaelia stevensonii fruits
Carmichaelia stevensonii flowers

Key Features

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.

  • A distinctive, leafless tree to 8 m tall, with a spreading canopy of drooping branchlets.
  • Young branches are longitudinally grooved while on mature trunks the longitudinal grooves are less apparent but horizontal rings are prominent.
  • Flowers are borne in pendulous clusters to 8 cm long, and are pale pink with darker veins.
  • Young plants may look like dead sticks.

Distribution and Habitat

  • South Island; restricted to Marlborough in the Awatere and Clarence catchments.
  • Occurs on river flats, bluffs and in open beech forest, but not tolerant of shade.

Threats

  • Browse by stock, goats and deer causing recruitment failure.
  • Habitat modification and loss.
  • Fire.

Management Opportunities

  • Survey for new locations.
  • Mark known sites.
  • Protection of habitat – avoid afforesting sites where weeping broom is growing.
  • Collect seed and propagate for re-establishment in appropriate sites.
  • Exclosures to protect young plants from browse.
  • Control of stock and browsing feral animals.
  • Ensure that forest owners are aware of potential habitats and can recognise the species.

Monitoring Options

  • Check for regeneration annually.
  • Report new locations to DOC, NZPCN.

Further Information and Support

  • New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (NZPCN). http://www.nzpcn.org.nz
  • Pest 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.
    • Poole & Adams (1994). Trees and shrubs of New Zealand. Maanaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
    • Wilson & Given (1989). Threatened plants of New Zealand. DSIR Publishing, Wellington.
    • Salmon (1986). A field guide to the native trees of New Zealand. Reed Methuen, Auckland.
    • Peter de Lange, Peter Heenan, David Norton, Jeremy Rolfe and John Sawyer (2010). Threatened Plants of New Zealand. Canterbury University Press, Christchurch. 472 pp.