Aotearoa in Bloom

Lushly illustrated book about the history and uses of many of New Zealand’s native flowering plants and trees, including their significance in te ao Māori.

He puāwai, he kōrero – for every flower, a story. Did you know Aotearoa has more than 2000 species of flowering plants, and that around 80 per cent are found nowhere else on Earth?

This book invites you on a botanical hīkoi through Aotearoa’s flora. Discover where they grow, when they bloom, the roles they play in their ecosystems, and which ones you can grow in your home garden. From native mistletoes and 120 species of orchid to the fuzzy edelweiss, the iconic pōhutukawa and kōwhai to the precious ngutukākā kākābeak, which is almost extinct in the wild, you will learn about their ornamental and practical uses and their spiritual significance in te ao Māori. Explore the stories behind their names and how these plants have taken root in our modern cultural identity.

Beautifully illustrated with historic botanical drawings and contemporary photographs, Aotearoa in Bloom weaves together stories of people and plants. Part social history, part gardening guide, this special book is a blossoming celebration of Aotearoa’s unique natural heritage.

Author Biography

Rachel Clare is a gardening journalist and editor who has written articles on all things botanical, from kowhai to community gardens and composting. She’s the associate editor of Kiwi Gardener magazine and was formerly editor of OrganicNZ magazine, deputy editor of NZ Gardener magazine and digital editor of Get Growing. A self-confessed flower fanatic, who loves bushwalks, waterfalls and native birdsong, she lives in Tamaki Makaurau / Auckland with her partner, Jacob, and their two children.

Tryphena is Te Mataua Maui born and bred. Rongomaiwahine is her iwi, with a?liations also to Ngati Kahungunu. A lifelong gardener from a whanau of plant lovers, she has recently worked in conservation management. As an Operations Manager for the Department of Conservation in Rekohu, Chatham Islands, and Hawke’s Bay, she has been part of caring for Aotearoa’s living taonga – ?ora and fauna. Her earlier career was spent in museums and art galleries as a curator, historian and kaitiaki taonga Maori. Her published writing spans art, textiles, fashion, Maori arts practice and contemporary New Zealand jewellery. Tryphena lives in Napier with her partner, Cain, and three sons.