Coastal Restoration Trust of New Zealand

Coastal Dune Ecosystem Reference Database

Fortrose Spit : botanical report Technical Report

Author
Johnson, P.N.
Year
1984
Journal / Source
Report (New Zealand. Botany Division)
Publisher / Organisation
Botany Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
Number
479
Pages
10
Summary
Fortrose Spit, at the Mataura River Mouth, Southland, is a 6 km long sandspit which retains a large flora of native dune plants. The dune system is botanically one of the two most highly rated in Southland. Seven major plant communities have been identified. Introduced plants, especially marram grass, tree lupin and gorse are a threat to the native plants. It is recommended that grazing on the sandspit be stopped and that the area be declared a reserve, fenced at the base of the spit preferably, and that weed control and vegetation monitoring be commenced.