Kowhangatara (Spinifex sericeus)
Last Modified: 21-11-2022 16:33
© Christopher Cookson License this image
Kowhangatara (Spinifex sericeus) is a native grass found throughout New Zealand and also in Australia that colonises coastal sandy habitats, stabilising dunes. It is salt and wind tolerant, and is capable of surviving shifting sands. Kowhangatara has separate male and female plants.
The unique seed heads break loose and form 'tumbleweeds' that are wind blown along beaches.
In areas of stable soils, Kowhangatara tends to be outcompeted by other plant species.
This example was observed on Rarangi beach where it is relatively common above the high tide mark in sandy soils.
Image Date: 20/11/2022
Photographer: Christopher Cookson
Location: Latitude: -41.419445 Longitude: 174.036011