Botanical name:

Anaphalioides trinervis (Anaphalis keriensis)

Common name(s):

Puatea, Cudweed

About:

A trailing plant with slender stems and narrow, dark green leaves covered in white tomentum underneath. Small flower heads, surrounded by white papery bracts, appear throughout spring and summer. Found along stream-sides across much of the North Island and western South Island, it thrives in both sun and shade, preferring moist soil.

Early Māori used to press the leaves to extract juices, which were then applied to bruises.

Natural habitat:

Its habitat is partially shaded moist banks, such stream sides or the edges of waterfalls.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade & Wetland tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island to half way down the South Island.

Height: 30cm

Flowering:

Spring/Summer with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Container friendly

How to grow:

Propagation by seed, cuttings or layers. Plant in a wet or moist place in dappled light, as it is a plant that likes stream sides or water falls. Will not tolerate dry conditions. May be best grown in pots out of the wind. A plant worth promoting due to its colour and tropical look. If planted in a moist area it will self-seed easily, particularly in mosses.