Endemic Toetoe

Toetoe is an endemic plant to New Zealand. It is the country's largest native grass and can grow in clumps as tall as 3 meters. The plant is part of the Cortaderia genus and comprises four different species. These species include: Cortaderia toetoe, Cortaderia fulvida, Cortaderia splendens and Cortaderia richardii.

Native Toetoe is easily confused with South American species of Cortaderia called C. jubata and C. selloana. These two species are commonly known as pampus grass. Many people are unable to distinguish between native toetoe and pampas grass. Some differences are that toetoe flower heads are curved, they flower early in summer, and they have leaves with secondary veins on either side of the midrib. In contrast, pampas grass has erect flower heads; which are often colored, flower in the fall, and have leaves lacking secondary veins.

On our trip, we have seen both endemic toetoe and pampas grass. Specifically, we saw a tremendous amount of both at our stay in Mapua. These were mostly located in areas where the tide is continuously coming in and out. We have also seen toetoe in swampy areas, as well as coastlines.

*Above is a picture from Mapua with the endemic toetoe on the left and the invasive pampas grass on the right.

It is interesting to see both species in the same area. While researching, I found out that pampas grass is actually considered to be an invasive species and has become a problem weed throughout New Zealand. It has increased competition for the native toetoe for land and resources.