Kānuka leaves. Image: Tremlin / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)
Common name: Kānuka shrubland with Coprosma and prickly mingimingi
Code: A: S1
Where does it occur?
This shrubland alliance occurs in scattered locations in the northern half of the North Island and north of Waitaki River in the S.I., mostly in the east or in Nelson–Marlborough. Stands occur over a wide elevational range, from just above sea level to 1 010 m.
Description
The shrubland is dominated by Kunzea ericoides in the canopy. The smaller shrubs Coprosma rhamnoides, Leptecophylla juniperina and Leucopogon fasciculatus are frequent. Kunzea ericoides is the only indicator species. Species richness of this alliance is moderately low, with, on average, 27 species per plot. On average, 14 % (5 species) of these are exotic.
Indicator species
Co-occurrence of Kunzea ericoides and Leptecophylla juniperina.
Stand characteristics
| Mean canopy height (m): | 8 m (2–26) |
Synonyms
| Relationship | Name | Author |
|---|---|---|
| includes | Kanuka-manuka heaths: Kanuka and mānuka heath on dry sites | Wardle (1991) |
| overlaps with | Kanuka scrub | Singers & Rogers (unpublished) |
| overlaps with | Kanuka scrub | Singers & Rogers (unpublished) |
| overlaps with | Manuka-kanuka scrub | Singers & Rogers (unpublished) |
| includes | Geothermal kanuka scrub | Singers & Rogers (unpublished) |
| includes | Kanuka-manuka heaths: Kanuka tree-heath | Wardle (1991) |
Component Associations
Kunzea ericoides / (Coprosma rhamnoides – Leucopogon fasciculatus – Leptocophylla juniperina) shrubland
Common name: Kānuka shrubland with native shrubs
Code: a: S1
Where does it occur?
This 68 000 ha association occurs in scattered locations in the northern half of the N.I. and north of the Waitaki River in the S.I., mostly in the east or in Nelson–Marlborough.Altitudes range from 30 to 925 m.Sites can be flat or on slopes as steep as 60º.
Description
This shrubland association is, on average, 7 m tall but can range from 2 to 16 m. It tends to have moderate plant diversity with an average of 21 species on a plot but can reach 50. On average, 11% of species in this association are exotic.
