Common species

Common coastal dune species

There are a number of native plant species that are common in dune ecosystems in New Zealand. they are:

• Ficinia (Desmoschoenus) spiralis (pingao, pikao, golden sand sedge)
• Spinifex sericeus (spinifex)
• Coprosma acerosa (sand coprosma)
• Pimelea arenaria (sand daphne)
• Carex pumila (sand sedge - see photo to the right)
• Austrofestuca littoralis (sand tussock)

The most common exotic plant species associated with dunes in New Zealand is:

• Ammophila arenaria (marram grass)

Ficinia (Desmoschoenus) spiralis (Pingao, right) and Spinifex sericeus (spinifex, left) at Parengarenga harbour, Northland. Photos by John Sawyer.

For more information see*:

• Coastal foredunes in Wellington (DOC factsheet)
• Pingao - Watch the TV6 - Meet the Locals (DOC) video

*The Network is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

This page last updated on 23 Sep 2012