Dunedin Botanic Garden

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During my visit to the Dunedin Botanic Garden, there were so many beautiful plants that caught my eye. However, I found the flowers native to New Zealand to be the most intriguing. These were indigenous plants that I would most likely never get the chance to see again, so I focused my attention on these incredible flowers.
The first plant I saw native to New Zealand was the Leptospermum Pageant. The pale pink and bright neon green center is what initially caught my attention, and it reminded me of a lily pad. I learned that it is a low growing shrub that grows flowers in order to attract bees and butterflies.

The next plant I decided to draw was the Kowhai which is the national flower of New Zealand. This entire flower is dangerous when consumed, but the seeds are the most poisonous to humans. The Maori also use this plant within their homes because of the bright coloring and for their medical properties.

The next plant, the Koru, is special to Maori culture, and its spiral shape is used as a symbol in lots of art and jewelry. Koru itself means “loop” and the shape is indicative of an unfurling silver fern frond. The young ferns are found in a tight spiral shape until they fully bloom. The shape of this plant was also the inspiration for the logo of Air New Zealand. I was always curious if there was a reasoning behind the pattern and now I know thanks to my visit to the botanical garden!

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