Gone Native - Northern Rata (Wellington) Traditional Cache
Gone Native - Northern Rata (Wellington)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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The Rimutaka Forest Park is a great area to see some of our native bush. With a number of tracks to suit all age groups, fitness levels and mobility requirements, it is very accessible, and a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
The Gone Native - Northern Rata cache is placed on the Orongorongo valley track, in a very good example of this type of endemic tree which can grow up to 30 metres tall. If established as an epiphyte, the trunk is not a true stem but is comprised of a number of fused roots. The epiphyte sends down roots which grow a supporting trunk around the host tree. The leaves are small and leathery in texture with indented tips. The wood is reddish brown with a twisted grain due to the nature of its growth. The flowers are a mass of dark scarlet stamens borne in sprays on the tips of branches.
Northern rata can be found in coastal and lower highland forest throughout the North Island (excluding the Hawkes Bay) and top of the South Island. It grows either as an epiphyte, (in the canopy of a suitable host tree), or on the ground. The plant requires plenty of light and will not become established if conditions are too dry for epiphyte.
The greatest threat to Northern rata is browsing by possums which cause severe damage by eating the leaves, buds, flowers and young shoots of the tree. In severe cases this can lead to the death of the tree within two years. In some districts, this has resulted in the local loss of the species. The situation of the species has been improved through the efforts of Project Crimson. Hybridisation with Pohutukawa is another threat to the survival of Northern Rata.
There is no need to damage any surrounding vegetation, but the cache is neatly hidden, and should be replaced carefully as found.
Following fine weather, sneakers are suitable for walking into this area, but don’t underestimate how quickly the weather can change, and always have warm clothing and water available.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Abg dhvgr ng tebhaq yriry. Ybbx sbe gur "L" gerr, 10zgef hcuvyy sebz genpx.