University of Iowa 1922 Fiji-New Zealand Expedition
Previous Page	Next Page

Wylie observed that the plant habitat of New Zealand was diverse. It ranged from the ocean-shore through coastal formations and uplands to mountains of considerable height, the narrow limits of the country provided contrasts and transition areas. The diversity ensured rich flora both as regards individuals and species. Seventy-four percent of the vascular plants here are restricted to New Zealand. However, if most of the ferns and monocotyledons were disregarded, then the proportion of the endemic species among the dicotyledons and gymnosperms rises to 85%.

The kauri pine makes its home on the northern part of the North Island. Wylie considered it the most noble of the trees that was vanishing from the earth. He saw several groves of them in Auckland, but due to the season he was unable to to get north of the region where a lumbering operation was taken place. Secretions from this tree produce kauri gum. Once the tree has fallen the substance does not decay with decomposition of the log. It is left in the soil or on the ground of areas once covered by forests of this species. Diggers made a living excavating the resin for export so that it can be used as an ingredient in varnishes.

Old and young species of the Kauri pine

One of the most remarkable observations Wylie made was about deforestation to provide more fresh grass for cattle. Since the winters are mild, cattle can graze for twelve months of the year without the expense of hay or grain. As result New Zealand was able to export meat, butter, hides, tallow and mutton to every market in the world, due to being cheaper to produce in New Zealand. But at such a sacrifice.

Gymnosperm forest near Ohakune, New Zealand before lumbering

Gyrmnosperm forest after lumbering