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.

You can also find out about our regionally endemic species in Otago on the Regionally Endemic page.

We also have species lists you can download as Excel spreadsheets on:

• Indigenous vascular plant species of the Otago Region

• Threatened and At-Risk vascular plants by Territorial Authority and Freshwater Management Unit in the Otago Region

• Vascular plants of Mount Aspiring National Park

• Indigenous vascular plants in The Catlins Ecological Region

• Indigenous vascular plants in the Eyres Ecological District

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. 

To contribute observation records on vascular plants to a participatory science platform, visit the iNaturalist platform.