New Zealand Water Cress Discovered
Rorippa divaricata, a short-lived Nationally Endangered herb was found recently by John Smith-Dodsworth - Honorary Network member. It was growing beside a road on Department of Conservation land in the Coromandel. The Department is now planning its protection and recovery.Previously Rorippa divaricata had been recorded from the Coromandel Peninsula in “vague” locations by prominent botanists of the mid 1800’s to early 1900’s James Adams, and Donald Petrie.
Further south at the border of the Coromandel and Kaimai Ranges populations have also been discovered in the last few years by Department of Conservation Staff. Collectively these finds and others from around New Zealand would suggest that either the species is making a recovery or that botanists are getting better at recognising it.
Posted: 25/01/2008