F&B MANAWATŪ TRIP NGA MANU NATURE RESERVE TO VIEW THE DACTYLANTHUS TAYLORII

SATURDAY 22nd MARCH, 2025

On Saturday 22nd March, 12 F&B Manawatū members met at Nga Manu Reserve near Waikanae to be shown the elusive Dactalanthus plant in bloom.
Reece, the Ranger employed by Nga Manu, took us on an amusing and informative walk through the bush to look at this very rare plant, flinging himself on the ground like a kiwi version of David Attenborough to enthuse about the features of this tiny but amazing rare native.
All the plants have been bred at Nga Manu by Reece and he also hand pollinates them to keep the species going.
The trip was fascinating, even though the plants are very well camouflaged and easily overlooked.
Thank you again Reece and the Nga Manu team.

--
Rosemary Cullen
F&B Manawatū Trip Coordinator