Plant Heritage New Zealand

Plant Heritage New Zealand looks at the unique characteristics of New Zealand's plants, and what makes them so special. It delves into the origins and evolution of the plants, how they have inspired songs, poems and works of art, Maori myths, stories and proverbs associated with them, and their many uses as a natural resource. Part 2 presents a selection of the plants and looks at classification, names, botanical description, traditional and modern uses, cultural heritage and significance to Maori. Tony Foster's stunning photos highlight the beauty of the plants, as well as helping with identification.

From the Author

Hi great to see my book on Fishpond here is some more info and a photo Tony Foster Plant Heritage New Zealand looks at the unique characteristics of New Zealand’s plants, what makes them so special. It delves into the origins and evolution of the plants, how they have inspired songs, poems and works of art, Maori myths, stories and proverbs associated with them, and their many uses as a natural resource. Part 1 introduces us to the nature of New Zealand’s extraordinary plants. Here we learn about speciation, taxonomy, growing and dispersal patterns, and what exactly makes a plant a New Zealand plant? How have plants grown and adapted in New Zealand’s very distinctive climate? Part 2, the main section of the book, presents a selection of trees, shrubs and flowers, their classification, names, botanical description, traditional and modern uses, cultural heritage and significance to Maori. The stunning photography highlights the beauty of the plants, as well as helping with identification. Plant Heritage New Zealand has over 300 photographs. 110 New Zealand plants are described. There are 60 Maori whakatauki or sayings/ metaphors pertaining to the plants, which demonstate many of the cultural qualities New Zealanders have evoked surrounding the plants. It is an ideal book for the School library to support student projects or at home as a reference. Travellers or tourists to New Zealand will find the book useful in making sense of New Zealand's intriguing flora.

About the Author

Tony Foster has had a lifelong interest in New Zealand's native plants. He has a degree in biological sciences from Waikato University, and has taught biology and science in rural New Zealand secondary schools, most recently as deputy principal, Taipa Area School. He now runs Bushmansfriend, specialising in ecotours of the bush reserve surrounding Whangaroa Harbour and educating tourists about the special features on New Zealand plants and their heritage.