The shoreline vegetation of Lake Ellesmere, Canterbury, New Zealand / by D.J. Clark and T.R. Partridge.

A report prepared for the North Canterbury Catchment Board and Regional Water Board.

Summary -- Introduction -- Methods -- Results -- List of vegetation types -- Vegetation maps 1 - 4, 5A and 5B -- Legend to vegetation types -- Discussion -- Summary of vegetation patterns -- Causes of the vegetation patterns -- Significant species of the shoreline -- Conclusions and recommendations -- References -- Appendices -- (I) List of vascular plant species in the survey area -- (II) Reports on the vegetation of Harts Creek and Yarrs Flat wildlife reserves -- (III) Brief article on rare plants.

“The vegetation of the shoreline of Lake Ellesmere was surveyed and the plant communities mapped. These include freshwater, halophytic and various types of farmland. Zonation is primarily related to elevation, from the mudflats below, to the farmland above. Secondary differences are related to sediment composition with at one extreme the muddy freshwater areas, and at the other, those which are dry, sandy and with halophytes. Farming practices have altered most of the shoreline vegetation, having been greatest in the upper zones. These practices include grazing, reclamation and ditching. A number of weedy species of importance have been identified. They include those which have spread as far as capable, such as salt barley grass, and those which may prove a problem in the future, such as grey willow. Very little of the original native vegetation remains. Most of that which does is under threat from the same factors which have already caused the loss of extensive areas of wetland. Areas of greatest value have been identified and include Greenpark Sands and western Kaitorete Spit. Smaller areas and interesting plant species have also been identified for possible protection.” -- Summary (page 1).

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