The same gallery has a small garden, as part of Invercargill's magnificent Queen's Park, devoted to the plants of the sub-Antarctic islands. These are remote, hostile environments, but are home to some extraordinary plants. The most important set are termed 'megaherbs', being large, tough and colourful. Indeed they are more colourful than many South Island natives, and the scientists are still puzzling out the evolutionary advantage.
They have extraordinary leaves, thick and tough. On this plant, the emergent leaves are covered in white hair, which abrades quickly, leaving these shiny, strong plates. On another plant, the leaves are corrugated or pleated. Within the folds, the air can be as much as 15 degrees Celsius warmer than the surrounding atmosphere.
We also found a cool farmer's market in Invercargill and stocked up on lamb and venison, as well as paua fritters which made for a very good dinner that night.