Botanical name:

Austroderia turbaria

Common name(s):

Chatham Island toe-toe

About:

Austroderia turbaria is a tall, perennial tussock that is hermaphroditic, typically located along the edges of slowly flowing streams that drain peat bogs. This species can also be found at the margins of lakes. The leaf blades of the plant are sturdy, with surfaces and margins that feel slightly rough to the touch.

Natural habitat:

A species usually found on the margins of slowly flowing streams draining peat bogs, or on lake margins. It has also been found in light wells created by tree falls within swamp forest.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Chatham Islands. Found on both Chatham and Pitt Islands

Height:

Flowering:

October - January with a cream coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December - July

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Austroderia turbaria is easily cultivated and does best in a sunny, sheltered site on permanently damp, peaty or acid soil. It is inclined to be rather short-lived (2-5 years) and will not tolerate drought. It is easily grown from fresh seed which germinates readily. Seed appears to have little viability if stored for longer than a year.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is com