Did you know?

Did you know (#1) that originally there were no land mammals in New Zealand? Rabbits were introduced and, since they had no predators, spread much too quickly. Possums were then introduced as predators to the rabbits. Unfortunately, the possums found it easier to hunt Kiwis, the famous wingless birds native to New Zealand, than rabbits and so possums have now also become part of the pest problem.

Did you know (#2) that gorse was introduced to New Zealand in the 1800’s and is now a rampant weed. Its beautiful bright yellow flower covers the hillside. Fortunately, gorse provides an excellent nursery to native trees. In fact, the soil in which gorse is growing is more fertile that otherwise. A native tree will begin to grow in the protection of the gorse and as it matures, will grow above the gorse and take over. Since gorse need direct sunlight, the tree will end up smothering it.