Stronghold

The Seaward Kaikouras are not for the faint-hearted. After several hours walking, and many turns up ravines, we made our way up to one of the most extraordinary landscapes that I have ever visited. 

George Stream is possibly the major stronghold for the weeping tree broom, Carmichaelia stevensonii.; a spectacular species that is popular in cultivation in southern parts of NZ, but is rarely encountered in the wild. As with many other members of the bean family (Fabaceae), C. stevensonii favours disturbed or open habitats, which in this case is generated by the vigorous uplift of this mountain range – coupled with some active tectonics.

My previous trip to this large population of Carmichaelia stevensonii happened in a shroud of mist that is a common event here (as moisture-laden clouds are lodged on these steep mountains). The combination of copious water vapour and gravity goes some way towards explaining the pronounced weeping form of this species – which is similar to the role of drip tips in neo-tropical cloud forests. On our trip late last year (once again accompanied by Winston Dewhirst), George Stream showed a different side of itself, with brilliant blue skies.