Ecosourcing plants

Getting started

With so few natural native remnants remaining in Canterbury it is an essential part of Te Ara Kākāriki’s philosophy to only use ecosourced plants. If you are doing your own restoration planting, we highly recommend ensuring any seedlings you purchase and plant are ecosourced. 

What is ecosourcing?

Ecosourcing is the use of plants that have been grown from locally sourced seeds. These seeds have been harvested from naturally growing remnants, reserves or bush within the same eco-district they will be planted in. Seeds taken from recreational parks, the roadside or amenity garden plantings are not eco-sourced as the plant’s original seed source is unknown.

Why does Te Ara Kākāriki only plant ecosourced seedlings?

Over many generations plants adapt to their local conditions meaning seedlings will most likely have better survival rates if they are planted near their original source.

Planting ecosourced species also preserves the unique characteristics and genetics of local plants preventing hybridisation with non local species. 

What can you do?

Whether you are planting 1 or 1,000 seedlings, ensure you purchase plants from a local nursery that ecosources and let the nursery know you want only ecosourced seedlings for your site. 

Find out more by clicking the buttons below. 

Let us know your ideas

We really value everyone’s input and support into helping us achieve our goals. Whatever you can do to help will be really appreciated and will make a positive difference.

Simply fill out the form and send us a message and we can then start the ball rolling.

Want to find out more?