![]() ![]() Learn more about seed collection and propagation. Seeds also vary in size with the largest being about the size of a match head 2. Mature seeds are shiny, brown, egg-shaped and flat on one side however the exact shape depends on where the seed is located within the spikelet 6. Seeds then develop on the flowerheads in spikelets 6 and mature between December and February, depending on location (maturity is reached later in more southern, cooler locations). These are sent up from the plant on long sturdy stems. spiralis) on flowerheads that measure between 15-30cm in length 2. Pikao flowers are brown in colour and arranged in a spiral pattern (hence D. Seeds are produced sexually in the flowerheads 6 (see photo). Vegetative reproduction is the main means of reproduction in pikao, enabling plants to survive indefinately 4. ![]() The extensive root systems produced as a result of vegetative reproduction also allows greater extraction of water from larger masses of sand 3 which is essential for pikaos' survival. Rhizomes facilitate the dune building and stabiliation process by producing a large area of plant material and root systems to trap sand 3. These contain nutrients, water stores and root initials that allow the rhizomes to establish into the sand and to send out leaves 1. Rhizomes are long woody rope-like vegetative structures resembling roots that are sent out from the parent plants 3. Pikao reproduce in two ways, vegetative (rhizomes) (see photo) and sexually (seeds) (see photo) 3,6. Pikao's morphology is dependent on location, as its habit varies from north to south 2. They are more tolerant to root salinity than marram grass 6 and prefer exposed, unstable and bare sites 2. Pikao are limited by moisture, and a lack of sand movement 3. Pikao leaves turn a golden yellow when dried which is why Maori weavers prize them 5. These characteristics help to minimise moisture loss in the harsh coastal environment and probably afford some protection from salt spray 3,4. The leaves are organised into tufts and are stiff and curled and rough to touch. The foliage is coloured a brilliant green which turn a golden yellow or fiery orange at the ends. Sedge blades are triangular in shape whereas grasses form a straight line. Sedges are similar to grasses but can be distinguished from grasses by examining the stem/blades in cross section. It is endemic to (found only in) New Zealand's coastal environment and is one of our major sand binders along with Spinifex sericeus (spinifex or kowhangatara) and Austrofestuca littoralis (Sand Tussock or hinarepe), trapping sand to create dune systems 2. Pick-up time is between 2:30pm – 2:45pm.These Pikao (or pingao) is also known as the Golden Sand Sedge and its botanical name is Desmoschoenus spiralis 1. Research proves that unstructured play not only provides many learning opportunities, but it also reduces anxiety and supports children with sensory needsĭrop-off time is between 8:45am – 9:00am. ![]() Many children lack social skills and the ability to solve problems simply due to the lack of ‘play’. Our programme predominantly consists of child-led learning with planned activities that are based around the children’s interests. While most of our time is spent exploring the forest, we will also explore the farm occasionally – for example, calving season is a very cool time for the tamariki as they get to engage with the calves.Ī typical day on the farm sees us going for a walk through the ngāhere (forest) and exploring the wonderful environment, climbing trees and the big supplejack vines, whittling and carving sticks, cooking kai (food) on the campfire, creating shelters, building things in the shed, developing tree huts, foraging, and many more fun activities. It is suited for children aged between 4-13 years old and is based at an amazing forest block located on a 72-hectare dairy farm in Brookby. This programme is led by Alex and Deirdre. ![]()
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