Flora of New Duveland

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This is an article related to the Commonwealth of New Duveland New Duveland


Three members of the genus Araucaria growing together – left to right, the Cook pine, the Hoop pine and the Bunya pine. New Duveland is home to the most Araucarian genus types of trees compared to any other place on Earth.
Tree ferns and ground ferns are found extensively throughout New Duveland.

This article delves into the rich tapestry of New Duveland's flora, with a particular emphasis on indigenous. The geographical isolation of New Duveland has fostered the evolution of a distinctive array of native plant species. Yet, human migration has significantly shaped the botanical landscape, introducing a multitude of non-indigenous plants, commonly labeled as 'exotics' in the New Duveland context. The intricate relationship between indigenous and exotic flora has been further influenced by European colonization, where concerted efforts by farmers and specialized societies aimed at importing European plants and animals have left a lasting impact on the native ecosystems. This intersection of natural evolution and anthropogenic influence paints a nuanced picture of New Duveland's botanical diversity and the ongoing challenges posed by introduced species to its unique indigenous flora.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Indigenous New Duveland flora generally has the following characteristics:

  • the majority are evergreen.
  • few annual herbs.
  • few cold-tolerant trees.
  • majority are dispersed by birds.
  • very few have defences against mammalian browsers.
  • few nitrogen fixing plants.
  • few fire-adapted species.
  • many dioecious species.
  • flowers are typically small and white.
  • many plants have divaricating growth forms.
  • many plants have evolved into larger forms compared with similar plant families in other countries.

List of plants[edit | edit source]

Trees and shrubs[edit | edit source]

Main article: List of trees native to New Duveland

Palm Trees[edit | edit source]

The majority of New Duveland's palm trees are primarily concentrated in New Caledonia, with only three species—specifically the Kentia palm, Norfolk palm and the Thatch palm—distributed across the rest of the country. New Caledonia boasts an extensive array of palm tree species unique to the islands. Among them are the entire genus of Clinosperma, Cyphophoenix and Kentiopsis, each contributing to the distinctive palm flora of the region. The prevalence of these species in New Caledonia reflects the archipelago's ecological richness and highlights the localized distribution of these palm varieties, showcasing the botanical diversity within New Duveland.

Mangroves[edit | edit source]

Mānawa (Grey mangrove) growing in the Hauauru Harbour of Moanarua.

Mangrove trees are widespread across every province of New Duveland, contributing to the diverse coastal ecosystems. Among the various species, the Mānawa, commonly known as the Grey mangrove, holds a prominent presence. With its adaptive features, the Mānawa thrives in brackish water environments, providing essential ecological functions such as stabilizing coastlines, filtering pollutants, and offering habitats for various marine species. Another noteworthy species is the River mangrove, which further enhances the ecological resilience of New Duveland's coastal regions. These mangroves play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, serving as nurseries for fish and invertebrates, and acting as a buffer against coastal erosion and storm surges. The collective presence of mangrove species underscores their ecological importance in the coastal landscapes of each province, contributing to the overall environmental health and sustainability of New Duveland.

Ferns[edit | edit source]

New Duveland, despite being classified as a temperate country, stands as a noteworthy exception to the global distribution of ferns, traditionally associated with tropical climates. The country boasts a significant diversity of ferns, encompassing various forms that transcend the stereotypical, including feather-shaped tufted ferns, majestic tree ferns, and lesser-known filmy, leafy, and climbing fern varieties. The fern-rich landscapes of New Duveland are home to an impressive forty species of tree ferns, contributing to the verdant tapestry of its forests. However, the botanical richness extends beyond these towering ferns, as the country's ecosystems harbor an array of ground-level, climbing, and perching ferns, each intricately adapted to their specific niches within the diverse ecosystems. Among these ferns, the king fern, standing as the largest, commands attention and exemplifies the country's commitment to preserving its unique botanical heritage. The coexistence of these fern varieties in New Duveland's temperate climate challenges conventional expectations and underscores the country's ecological distinctiveness within the global context.

Seaweeds[edit | edit source]

Listed below are the most common types of seaweed found in and around New Duveland:

Liverworts[edit | edit source]

New Duveland, owing to its cool, wet, and temperate climate, sustains a rich tapestry of liverworts, with approximately half of the known species being endemic to the country. The liverwort diversity in New Duveland is striking, with a comprehensive tally revealing the existence of 2,424 species. While this roster encompasses thallose liverworts characterized by liver-shaped thalli, the majority consists of leafy liverworts, often presenting a challenge in differentiation from mosses and filmy ferns due to their similar appearance. The exploration of lowland forests continues to unveil previously undescribed liverwort species, augmenting our understanding of New Duveland's botanical wealth. A substantial 360 liverwort species and varieties currently feature on New Duveland's Department of Conservation threatened plants list, underscoring the vulnerability of certain liverwort populations. Additionally, ongoing research promises to expand this catalog, with 628 liverwort species and varieties anticipated to be incorporated into the upcoming version of the list, indicative of the evolving knowledge base surrounding this botanical group. This dynamic landscape of liverwort diversity not only underscores the ecological significance of New Duveland but also emphasizes the need for continued conservation efforts to safeguard these unique and often overlooked plant species.

Grasses[edit | edit source]

There are 748 species of native grasses in New Duveland: 628 endemic and 120 indigenous species.

The grasses belong to the following tribes and genera:

Mosses[edit | edit source]

New Duveland boasts a diverse moss flora, comprising over 2,000 known species and 92 varieties, with representation from 832 genera. Notably, 432 species and 44 genera are considered endemic to New Duveland, highlighting the country's unique contribution to moss biodiversity. The origin of many moss species in New Duveland can be traced back to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, fostering strong botanical connections with regions such as Tasmania, South-eastern Australia, New Zealand, and temperate zones of South America. This shared lineage contributes to a rich tapestry of moss diversity, where taxonomic relationships and ecological patterns weave together across continents. The prevalence of endemic mosses underscores New Duveland's role as a reservoir of distinct biodiversity within the global moss community. Ongoing research and exploration continue to uncover new facets of moss ecology, enhancing our understanding of these vital components of New Duveland's botanical heritage.

Other[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

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