New Zealand native plants for urban amenity use in the South Island

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to promote and encourage the use of New Zealand native plants in our urban environment. The basis of the study is comprised of a collection of native plants which in my opinion would prove suitable for public planting by parks departments. I have divided these plants into separate sections based on their most suitable uses, and have included brief cultural notes.

To ensure this study remained within the size requirements of a dissertation, I have limited my study to the plants which will grow in the South Island. This effectively removed a number of plants which are frost tender and are only able to grow in the warmer parks of the country. The collection is still however a fairly comprehensive one and includes most of the native plants used commonly throughout the country.