Dune Swale Daphne Writing T3W8

Dune Swale Daphne

Where it normally grows: In the south Taranaki between Whanganui and Levin

Future outlook: Not very good

Are you interested in endangered species? Or have you heard of the Dune Swale Daphne? Well, this is
an informational report about the Dune Swale Daphne. I have collected some facts, and I am going to be
writing some information about the endangered species. So the first thing we know is, it’s scientific name
is Pimelea actea, but an easier name might be Dune Swale Daphne. It’s at risk of extinction, and it looks
like it has blob texture looking leafs, small bubble/balloon/grape looking leafs.

Protecting dune swale daphne also protects a number of other endangered plants and insects. This
endangered plant normally lives in inhabited damp areas in sand dune hollow. It’s diet is water, and
moist sand (flat sand habitat.)  (in the south Taranaki Bight between Whanganui and Levin) are the
natural habitat of Pimelea actea or dune swale daphne. It’s Conservation Status: Nationally Critical.
These flowers develop into translucent white fruit.

The Dune Swale Daphne was discovered in the 1960’s by Tony Druce and later by Don Ravine, it was
not formally named until 2008. There are quite a few threats to this species, 1. They are being eaten by
birds and lizards. 2.  The moist sand habitat is getting covered with grass and moss. 3. Very few plants
remain.

A few facts about this endangered plant 

1. Dune swale daphne (Pimelea actea) is a critically endangered New Zealand plant. 

2. Dune swale daphne used to inhabit moist sand flats on the Manawatu, Whanganui and Christchurch
coasts. 

3. Recently it has disappeared from all but one site where a few plants are thought to survive.

4. It is not known how much it will cost to remobilise the sand dunes.