Red Bidibid

Botanical name: Acaena novae-zelandiae

Synonyms: None

Common name(s): Red Bidibid, Piripiri, Piri-piri Bur, Bidgee-widgee

About:
A vigorous, fast-spreading native ground cover with bright green to bronze foliage and distinctive red hooked seed heads. One of New Zealand’s most widespread bidibid species, it quickly forms dense mats that suppress weeds and stabilise soil. Its burr-like fruits readily attach to clothing, animal fur and feathers, making it highly effective at natural

seed dispersal.

Natural habitat:
Occurs in a wide range of habitats including forest margins, shrublands, grasslands, river terraces, coastal dunes, open riverbeds, disturbed ground and other open environments from coastal to montane areas.

Growing environment:
Frost, Sun, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:
Native to New Zealand, Australia and New Guinea.

In New Zealand it occurs throughout the North, South, Stewart / Rakiura, Chatham and Campbell Islands.

Height:
Approximately 15 cm tall

Width:
Spreading up to 1.5 m or more

Flowering:
October – February

Produces small white globe-shaped flower heads.

Fruiting:
November – June

Develops bright red hooked burrs that mature to pale brown or golden-brown.

Uses:
• Ground cover
• Lawn substitute
• Weed suppression
• Erosion control
• Riparian plantings
• Coastal revegetation
• Bee and insect habitat

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A vigorous stoloniferous perennial that spreads rapidly by creeping stems which root freely at the nodes, forming extensive, dense mats.

Leaves:
Pinnately divided leaves with 9–15 toothed leaflets. The foliage varies from glossy bright green to bronze-green and is often complemented by reddish stems and leaf stalks.

Flowers:
Small rounded white flower heads are produced on upright stems above the foliage during spring and summer.

Fruit:
Distinctive cone-shaped burrs develop from the flower heads, bearing bright red hooked spines that readily cling to fur, feathers, socks and clothing before gradually fading to pale brown or golden-brown as they mature.

Ecology:
Red Bidibid is an important pioneer species that rapidly colonises open ground, helping to stabilise soils and reduce erosion. Its flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees and other insects, while the dense foliage creates habitat for small invertebrates. The hooked burrs enable efficient seed dispersal by birds, mammals and people.

Associated habitats:
Forest margins, shrublands, grasslands, coastal dunes, river terraces, gravel flats, riparian margins, open scrub and disturbed ground.

How to grow:
An exceptionally easy native ground cover to establish. Grow in full sun or light shade in well-drained soil. It tolerates drought, wind, frost and coastal exposure once established. Regular trimming of seed heads before they mature will reduce unwanted burrs where plants are used around paths or lawns.

Propagation:
Very easily propagated from fresh seed, division or rooted stem sections. Established mats can be divided at almost any time of year, provided adequate moisture is available during establishment.

Cultural use:
Known traditionally as Piripiri, the hooked burrs were well known for attaching to clothing and animal fur, making the plant one of New Zealand’s most effective naturally dispersed groundcovers.

Garden value:
A hardy, low-maintenance native that is ideal for large-scale ground cover, erosion control, naturalistic landscapes and difficult dry sites. Its colourful foliage, attractive red seed heads and rapid spreading habit make it an excellent alternative to exotic ground covers where space allows.