First things first

Hello and Welcome to Plants and Matter

I will try to Introduce you to the weird and wonderful world of some of my favourite NZ Native plants as well as as soil and growing mediums aka. Matter.

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Pōhutukawa

Pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) If you drive around Rocks Road or Atawhai you will see the crimson red flowers of the New Zealand Christmas Tree in full bloom at this time of year. The Pōhutukawas belongs to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) the same as Feijoa or Eucalyptus for example. Unfortunately that makes them susceptible to myrtle rust which is a fungal disease. It also belongs to the Metrosideros genus, which includes northern and southern Rātā . The Trees are naturally found in the North Island of New Zealand along the coast lines where sometimes harsh conditions make it hard or impossible for other plants to thrive. The Pōhutukawa leaves have a waxy coat that protects them. Not only that, but the flowers produce thousands of seeds that disperse by the slightest breeze and can survive up to a month in salt water and freezing environment. Maoris have used the nectar of the flowers to treat sore...

Peat Moss

Let me introduce you to a medium that is used a lot in Horticulture. PEAT MOSS The dark brown organic matter known as Peat is a unique organic material with several benefits for any gardener or horticulturist. To keep it very short and simple Peat is sterile, absorbent and prevents soil compaction. Peat Moss retains water much better than average soils. It can hold up to 20 times it's weight in water. In addition it aerates and improves drainage of heavier soils, allowing roots to grow and take up nutrients. It also does not contain harmful pathogens or any weed seeds. Therefore Peat Moss makes a great seed starting medium and is often added to potting mixes to improve the soil structure of the growing medium. So what is Peat Moss and where does it come from ? Peat moss is a non-renewable resource that takes several millennia to form and grows less than a millimeter a year. It is formed out of the decomposed remains of sphagnum moss and other living things formi...

Plant Matter

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