Loxsoma cunninghamii

Loxsoma cunninghamii the only one of the loxsoma genius
Loxsoma cunninghamii is a rare tree fern without a trunk

Loxsoma cunninghamii in the Tangihua ranges
Loxsoma cunninghamii is found nowhere else in the world except Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula.

It has been found in the Tangihua ranges but I do not know where

Loxsoma cunninghamii Description

Loxsoma cunninghamii does not form a trunk although related to tree ferns. It can be recognized by its creeping rhizomes, ovate fronds with white or dull greyish-green or blue undersides

Its reproductive structures which are held in cup-like structures that project from the margins of the undersides of the highly divided fronds. Loxsoma cunninghamii has long-creeping rhizomes and chestnut brown stipes which are up to 20-60 cm long.

Loxsoma cunninghamii Habitat

Occurs under tall mānuka and kānuka scrub, on scrub margins, in clearings, or in open tawa, podocarp, kauri and broadleaved forest, usually on banks, tracksides, roadsides or streamsides where it often spreads vegetatively. It has also been recorded occasionally under pine plantations.

The need for conservation

It is apparent that the fate of the ecosystem in the Tangihua Ranges depends on putting in place conservation strategies which will significantly reduce or stop the damage inflicted by introduced pests. Most of the above species, if this is done will regenerate or can be successfully reintroduced and established.

DOC does not have enough funding to conserve the Tangihua forest, it is up to the community and others to step up.

• Tangihua Community Pest Control Area
• Conservation on DOC land
• Conservation education
• Volunteers options

References

it is very apparent that specific information has been shared online between many organisations. Attributing to the initial source is impossible. As much as possible we use our own photos but this will take time and for extinct birds that is not possible. We have used the following websites as sources for our information

• Te Ara The Encyclopaedia of New Zealand
• Wikipedia
• T.E.R:R.I.A.N Taranaki Education resource: research and information network
• Te Ara The Encyclopaedia of New Zealand
• Flora of New Zealand