Drosera binata var. dichotoma, Mount Ruapehu

Mount Ruapehu, in New Zealand, is a true natural paradise offering a diverse range of unique landscapes and ecosystems. As an active volcano, it boasts unrivalled geological richness and natural beauty. From a naturalist’s perspective, here is what Mount Ruapehu has to offer.

An incredibly rich variety of flora and fauna

Mount Ruapehu is home to a variety of flora and fauna adapted to the extreme conditions of its volcanic environment. The volcano’s slopes are covered in alpine meadows, dense forests and heathland, providing a diverse habitat for numerous species. Endemic plants such as Dracophyllum, Hebe and Raoulia can be found here, having evolved to withstand freezing temperatures and volcanic soils.

An endemic Drosera

In the surrounding area, you can also find… a Drosera! **Drosera binata var. dichotoma**on Mount Ruapehu grows to a height of 40 cm and produces impressive leaves that form a four-branched fork.

The flower stalk grows to over 50 cm in height and bears pretty white flowers. It can withstand temperatures down to -10°C, as tested and approved by your Karnivores nurseries, who have trialled it in Alsace under similar conditions.

The wildlife of Mount Ruapehu is just as fascinating. Wild mountain sheep, chamois and deer inhabit the lower areas, whilst birds such as the kaka, the tui and the kea inhabit the forests and ridges. The volcano’s lakes are also home to fish such as brown trout and long-finned eels, attracting anglers from all over the world, not to mention botanists with a passion for carnivorous plants.