Bidibid

Botanical name: Acaena anserinifolia

Common name(s): Bidibid, Hutiwai, Piripiri

Plant facts:

A fast-growing, low-forming native ground cover with distinctive bluish-green foliage. Produces hooked, velcro-like seed pods that readily attach to clothing and animal fur. Forms dense mats that are highly effective for weed suppression and erosion control.

Natural habitat:

Common along forest margins and in shrublands, from lowland to lower subalpine environments.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Drought, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Widespread throughout New Zealand, including the North, South, Stewart, and Chatham Islands. Also naturalised on the Auckland and Campbell Islands.

Height:

Up to 15 cm

Flowering:

October – January
Small flowers ranging from white to red/pink.

Fruiting:

December – April

Uses:

• Ground cover
• Weed suppression
• Erosion control
• Riparian plantings
• Bee food

Appearance:

Growth habit:
Low-growing and spreading, forming dense, interwoven mats across the ground.

Leaves:
Bluish-green, soft-textured foliage arranged along creeping stems.

Flowers:
Small and inconspicuous, varying from white to pink or red tones.

Fruit:
Produces distinctive barbed seed heads that easily attach to surfaces, aiding in seed dispersal.

How to grow:

Easily propagated from seed or by division of established plants. Thrives in a wide range of conditions, particularly in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade.