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 at least 40 vascular plant species are regional endemics, meaning they are not found elsewhere on Earth. 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 1304 species in the 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 the regional threat assessment report.