Seepage wetlands occur where groundwater emerges on slopes, leaving soils almost permanently wet, well-oxygenated and fertile. These conditions favour herbaceous plants. In limestone country seepage plant communities can be very diverse. Many threatened plant species occur in seepage ecosystems, including NZ buttercup species, Acaena rorida, NZ mousetail, creeping foxglove, marsh arrow grass, whipcord hebe and many others.

The projected natural range of seepage ecosystems across Aotearoa is 3,132 hectares.

More info: Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research - seepages & flushes

Common native species, photos courtesy of NZ Plant Conservation Network: