top of page
Mears Bush
Plants at Mears Bush
Native Nettle
Moss & Lichen
Spiky nettle leaves
Scientific name: Urtica
Common name: Native Nettle
Maori name: Taronga
In New Zealand there are three species of Natal nettle
The spines of the nettle contains former acid and the natural nettle has lots of health benefits with the needle as one of the oldest record for remedies to preventing hair loss. The native nettle needs 80 to 90 days to grow, while
stinging nettle may live for several years. All of them are edible.
A fallen log covered in Moss.
Scientific name: Bryophytes
Common name: Moss
Maori name: Kohu kohe
Moss is a non flowering plant that are multi cellular organisms. Moss dates back millions of years. Unlike other plants Moss does not have the usual root system. They have rhizoids which are like fine hair that help them attached themselves to rocks or trees. Their rhizoids suck up water and the surfaces of Moss are very absorbent.
Red Admiral butterflies eat nettles.
Nettles can be dangerous. Itching and rashes can occur if you come into contact with it. Some animals like dogs and horses should be kept away form it. Yet goats can eat it and be absolutely fine. The Red Admiral butterfly needs nettle to survive.
A Lichen covered bench.
Scientific name: Ascomycetes
Common name: Lichen
Maori name: Angi angi
Lichen is not Moss. It is a combination of alga and fungus. Lichen may not look like much but it is food for animals like deer and birds. It also helps protect trees and rocks from environmental elements.
bottom of page