Parataniwha, Manawatu gorge track

Parataniwha (Elatostema rugosum) belongs to the nettle family (Urticaceae). However, unlike some other members of the family (notably ongaonga (Urtica ferox) Aotearoa's impressive tree nettle), parataniwha has no stinging hairs. This stand, along the sides of a tiny stream crossing the Manawatu Gorge Track, was growing in typical habitat: damp, shaded and cool (a description that applied to the entire region on the afternoon I photographed this).


[9 June 2011, Panasonic Lumix GH1, 14–45 mm at 14 mm, ISO 200, 1/6 at f5.6]

All content © 2011 Pete McGregor