Embracing disturbed grounds, after forest clearance, fire, or tree fall, this pioneer species quickly establishes and spreads, thus providing necessary shelter for the succession of other, slower-growing native flora.

Olearia solandri is typically found on the coast, rocky outcrops, and edges of tidal estuaries, in both wet and dry habitats. This quick-growing shrub, with its golden hue of new growth, can reach up to 4m in height and spread to about 2m, though often shorter when exposed to salt-laden coastal winds.

Alseuosmia macrophylla's divinely perfumed flowers entice you to linger. Photo by Gabriela V. One of our most fragrant native species, Alseuosmia macrophylla - toropapa - is also one of the most confusing shrubs for botanists, thanks to its refined art of plant mimicry. The jury's out on how many species of the endemic Alseuosmia genus there actually are. Some sources suggesting five, some six, or seven? Mimicry, which is still considered quite rare in the plant kingdom, is one its...