New Zealand is very rich in vegetation. In brief it has two main types of native forest: podocarp forest and beech forest. Most podocarp forest grows at low altitudes, so it has been logged and cleared for farming. Beech forests usually grow in hilly or mountainous areas, so have been left. The ramaining vegetation types are grassland and shrubland.
Podocarp forests are a mixture of tall podocarps,smaller trees,shrubs,plants and ferns. Podocarp trees belong to a cinoferous family. They are evergreen. In the north of New Zealand the podocarp forests were dominated by the ancient gain Kauri. These trees are amongst the largest in the world so they are pretty good for timber. New Zealand's beeches are evergreen. They are broadleaf trees. Beech trees are found in 80-90percent of native forests in the South Island, but in only 40percent in the North Island. The forests of southern beeches comprise of a less diverse habitat with the four species for beeches.
Most New Zealand trees and shrubs are pollinated by insects or birds, or have their seeds dispersed by birds, but beech's dry, nut like seeds are spread by the wind.