cultural landscapes

Gumlands are a critically endangered ecosystem, restricted to Auckland and Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) in Aotearoa | New Zealand. Gumlands usually form in areas once dominated by kauri, where slow decomposition produces poorly drained, infertile soils with a siliceous hardpan. These harsh edaphic conditions result in heathlands dominated by mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium agg.), tangle fern (Gleichenia dicarpa), and sedges (Machaerina teretifolia and M. brevifolia).

In most regions of the world removal of environmental stress facilitates regeneration of native plants and habitats. However, in many of New Zealands modified landscapes, exotic species are likely to respond first to any reduction in stress because these fast-growing species are prevalent in local vegetation and dominate seed banks.