Plants are essential to land and water-based ecosystems, as well as supporting the survival of humans on Earth.

Otago is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most botanically diverse regions. Almost half of all indigenous vascular plants occur in the region.

Over 1300 indigenous vascular plant species have been identified in Otago. From iconic tussocks to rare regional endemics like Lepidium kirkii, also known as salt-pan cress or Kirk’s scurvy grass, Otago’s indigenous vascular plants beautify the landscape and support biodiverse ecosystems. 

Otago also has a major role to play in maintaining and protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s vascular plant life; around a quarter of Otago plants are nationally threatened or at risk.

In Otago, 39 vascular plant species are considered to be regional endemics, meaning they are native to and not found elsewhere. Of these regional endemics, 31 have heightened risks of extinction (in either nationally threatened or at-risk categories).

In a regional threat assessment for indigenous vascular plants, a total of 1307 species in the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS) were identified as being in Otago. A further 17 species were identified that had not been assessed in the NZTCS. More information can be found in a report and its accompanying spreadsheet on the regional threat assessment page. 

You can find out about our regionally endemic species in Otago on the Regionally Endemic page, and download a species list of threatened or at-risk vascular plants by Territorial Authorities or Freshwater Management Units as a spreadsheet below. 

To find out more about vascular plants in Aotearoa New Zealand, visit the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network / Rōpū Hononga Koiora Taiao ki Aotearoa (NZPCN) or New Zealand Native Orchids website.