Raoulia albosericea as a Facilitator in Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand: Revised Version

Cushion plants like Raoulia albosericea can significantly facilitate the growth and survival of other plant species by mitigating harsh environmental conditions, but this phenomenon has been largely unexplored outside Northern Hemisphere contexts. A study in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand, found that R. albosericea lowered soil temperature and increased compaction under its canopy, leading to higher overall plant density and cover within its canopies compared to open areas. These effects were more pronounced at high elevations. Ten of the 14 species surveyed showed a significant spatial association with R. albosericea, suggesting it plays a key role in facilitating plant diversity in this unique alpine environment. The research provides new insights into how cushion plants influence biodiversity patterns under varying abiotic conditions.

Kleier, C., Millen, J., & Lambrinos, J. (2026). Raoulia albosericea as a Facilitator in Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand: Revised Version. New Zealand Journal of Botany, 64(1). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/nzb2.70031