plumes up the north island coastal dunes

Size
Height: 150–250 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.
Range
North Island and northern South Island. Most common in coastal and lowland areas. Also found on the Chatham Islands.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from coastal development is the primary threat. Climate change affecting coastal habitats. No significant pest or disease issues.
Population
Populations are considered stable and widespread. The species is common in coastal areas throughout its range. Threatened by ongoing 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; widespread in lowland and montane habitats throughout New Zealand.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, toetoe was one of the most useful plants. The long, strong leaves were used for thatching houses (whare) and for making wall panels (tukutuku). The flower stalks were used for kite frames (manu tukutuku) and arrows. The fluffy seed heads (kākaho) were used as torches and as tinder for fire-making. The name toetoe refers to the plumed flower heads. Toetoe was also used medicinally. It was a plant of the coast, gathered by those who knew the dunes and the cliffs, a gift from the shore.
In Māori tradition, toetoe was one of the most useful plants. Austroderia richardii is New Zealand's largest native grass. A giant among grasses. A plant that demands to be noticed. Toetoe has plumed flower heads that can reach three metres high. The leaves are tough and fibrous. Toetoe was used extensively by Māori for thatching roofs and walls. Making kites, arrows, and for weaving. The fluffy seed heads were used as tinder for fire-making. A grass that built houses and started fires. The leaves are long, narrow, and arching. Forming a large, fountain-like clump. They are bright green on top and paler underneath. The leaf margins are sharply serrated. Capable of cutting skin. The flower stalks rise high above the leaves. Topped with large, plumed flower heads that are silvery-white or golden. Beautiful, but sharp. A plant with an edge. The plant is extremely hardy. Growing in 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. Toetoe is often confused with introduced pampas grass. Which is similar in appearance. Toetoe has drooping flower heads and yellow-green leaves. While pampas grass has upright flower heads and blue-green leaves. The leaves of toetoe are also more sharply serrated. A native that looks like an invader. But it was here first. To find toetoe is to walk the coastal cliffs and sand dunes. Look for the large, fountain-like clumps of arching leaves. The towering flower heads. It is a plant of the coast. A giant among grasses. The leaves are sharp, but the flowers are soft. The wind blows. The plumes sway. The toetoe holds the dune together. Sharp blades and all. It does not need to be gentle. It just needs to hold on. And it does. It has been doing it for thousands of years. In Māori tradition, toetoe was one of the most useful plants. The long, strong leaves were used for thatching houses (whare) and for making wall panels (tukutuku). The flower stalks were used for kite frames (manu tukutuku) and arrows. The fluffy seed heads (kākaho) were used as torches and as tinder for fire-making. The name toetoe refers to the plumed flower heads. Toetoe was also used medicinally. It was a plant of the coast, gathered by those who knew the dunes and the cliffs, a gift from the shore.