![[Leptospermum scoparium] with [Gleichenia] sp and [Blechnum novae-zelandiae] in the ground layer. Near Charleston, North Westland.](/assets/Publications/Woody-ecosystem-types/Manuka_Shrubland__ResizedImageWzQwNSw2MDhd.jpg "[Leptospermum scoparium] with [Gleichenia] sp and [Blechnum novae-zelandiae] in the ground layer. Near Charleston, North Westland.")
[Leptospermum scoparium] with [Gleichenia] sp and [Blechnum novae-zelandiae] in the ground layer. Near Charleston, North Westland.
Common name: Mānuka shrubland
Code: A: S3
Where does it occur?
This shrubland occurs in South and North Westland, Stewart Island, and scattered disturbed areas in the S.I. and N.I.
Description
This alliance spans a broad altitudinal range, from sea level to 1020 m. This shrubland is dominated by Leptospermum scoparium. Leptecophylla juniperina, Empodisma minus, Gleichenia species and Lepidothamnus intermedius can also be dominant. Indicator species include Empodisma minus, Gleichenia species, Leptospermum scoparium, Lycopodiella diffusa and Androstoma empetrifolia. These shrublands are relatively species poor, with on average only 20 species per plot. Few exotic plants occur in these shrublands.
Indicator species
Co-occurrence of Empodisma minus and Leptospermum scoparium.
Stand characteristics
| Mean canopy height (m): | 5 m (1–26) |
Synonyms
| Relationship | Name | Author |
|---|---|---|
| overlaps with | Primary tree- and shrub-heaths and subalpine bush: Stewart Island | Wardle (1991) |
| overlaps with | Primary tree- and shrub-heaths and subalpine bush: Western Nelson | Wardle (1991) |
| overlaps with | Manuka, tanglefern scrub/fernland | Singers & Rogers (unpublished) |
| overlaps with | Shrub-heaths of mires and frost flats: South Island | Wardle (1991) |
| includes | Kanuka-manuka heaths: Manuka scrub established on pasture | Wardle (1991) |
| is included within | Wet heath communities | Wardle (1991) |
| broadly equivalent to | Manuka scrub | Singers & Rogers (unpublished) |
| broadly equivalent to | Manuka scrub | Singers & Rogers (unpublished) |
| overlaps with | Bracken fernland | Singers & Rogers (unpublished) |
| overlaps with | Yellow silver pine, manuka forest | Singers & Rogers (unpublished) |
Component Associations
Leptospermum scoparium / Empodisma minus – Gleichenia sp. – Lycopodiella diffusa – Leptecophylla juniperina shrubland
Common name: Mānuka shrubland with wire rush and tangle fern
Code: a: S4
Where does it occur?
This 7 560 ha association was sampled on the West Coast of the South Island between Okarito in the north and Jackson Head in the south. Site slope ranges from flat to moderately steep (30º) with altitude ranging from sea level to 680 m.
Description
This shrubland association is, on average, 3 m tall but can range from 1 to 7 m. It tends to be species-poor with an average of 16 species on a plot which can range from 8 to 25. On average, there are few (less than 2%) exotic species present.
Leptospermum scoparium successional shrubland
Common name: Mānuka successional shrubland
Code: a: S5
Where does it occur?
This 15 100 ha association has been sampled in scattered locations in the S.I. and N.I.; these are likely to have been burnt so this is successional. Sites range from flat to steeply sloping (50º). Altitudes range from just above sea level to 1020 m.
Description
On average stands are 3 m tall, but may be up to 6 m tall.These shrublands have moderate numbers of species, with on average 18 species, but as few as 6 and as many as 57, recorded on a plot. Of these 9% are exotic, on average.
