Trip to Colinswood Bush

A field trip to Colinswood Bush. Near Macandrew Bay, a small native bush remnant at an important stage of restoration. Many weeds still exist, but the larger exotic trees (sycamore and hawthorn) have finally been removed and the existing and planted indigenous species are beginning to dominate and form a protective canopy. Help with updating the native plant list and with removing some of the weeds will be much appreciated. In July the kowhai will be in full flower with plenty of tuis to entertain you. Our pride and joy is a large matai estimated to be 450 years old which this season has produced its first recorded pollinated seed and small crop of seedlings. The mystery is there is no resident male. Any theories? Leader Nigel McPherson. Meet at the Botany Dept Car Park at 1.10 pm, or 1.30 pm at Howard St. (first street off Portobello Rd. after Glenfalloch), in front of the farm gate between numbers 22 and 24. There is parking on the grass. If on the day there is any doubt about weather conditions please telephone Nigel, 476 1109. Rain date Sun 22, 1.10 pm etc as above.