South Island Toetoe – plumes up the south island wetland banks

plumes up the south island wetland banks

Size: Height: 100–200 cm
Lifespan: 10–20 years
Diet: Not applicable - autotrophic. Photosynthetic grass. Obtains nutrients from moist, well-drained soils in exposed coastal environments.
Habitat: Coastal cliffs, sand dunes, wetlands, stream banks and open areas. Prefers moist, well-drained soils with full sun. Tolerates salt spray, wind and drought.
Range: South Island and southern North Island. Most common in coastal and lowland areas of the South Island. Less common in the North Island.
Endemism: Endemic
Main Threats: Habitat loss from coastal development is the primary threat. Climate change affecting coastal habitats. No significant pest or disease issues currently recorded.
Population: Populations are considered stable and widespread. The species is common in coastal areas of the South Island. It is threatened by ongoing coastal development.
Conservation Status: Not Threatened
Human Risk: caution
Handling Note: sharp toetoe leaves cause skin lacerations, wear long trousers in the field
Conservation Note: Endemic tussock grass; restricted to South Island and Stewart Island.
Assessment: NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori: In Māori tradition, toetoe (both species) was highly valued. The leaves were used for thatching and weaving. The flower stalks were used for kites and arrows. The fluffy seed heads were used as tinder. The name toetoe applies to both species. South Island iwi used this plant extensively, gathering it from the coastal dunes and wetlands. It was a plant of the southern coast, a gift from the shore, a resource for those who lived by the sea.

The North Island has its toetoe. The South Island has its own version. Austroderia toetoe is smaller. It is tougher. It is built for the cold. It is very similar to the North Island toetoe but generally smaller. It has narrower leaves and a slightly different flower head shape. It was used by Māori for the same purposes: thatching, weaving, kite-making and fire-making. It is found mainly in the South Island and southern North Island. A grass that knows where it belongs. The leaves are long, narrow, and arching. They form a large, fountain-like clump. They are bright green on top and paler underneath. The margins are sharply serrated. The flower stalks rise above the leaves. They are topped with plumed flower heads that are silvery-white or golden. A giant among grasses. A fountain of blades. South Island toetoe is adapted to the cooler, drier conditions of the South Island. It grows on coastal cliffs, sand dunes, and wetlands. It tolerates salt spray, strong winds, and drought. The deep root system helps stabilise sand dunes and prevent erosion. A grass that holds the coast together. The two toetoe species are difficult to tell apart. South Island toetoe generally has narrower leaves and smaller flower heads. It is also less common in cultivation. A grass for the botanist. A grass for the dedicated. To find South Island toetoe is to walk the coastal cliffs and sand dunes of the South Island. Look for the large, fountain-like clumps of arching leaves. Look for the towering flower heads. It is a plant of the southern coast. A giant among grasses. The leaves are sharp, but the flowers are soft. The wind bends the plumes. The leaves rustle. The toetoe holds the dune together, sharp blades and all. It does not need to be pretty. It just needs to hold on. And it does. It has been doing it for thousands of years.