Botanical name:

Brachyglottis kirkii var. kirkii (Urostemon kirkii)

Common name(s):

Kohurangi, Kirk’s daisy, oro

About:

This plant can inhabit both epiphytic and ground shrub forms in its natural environment. It occurs in forests across the North Island, largely from Coromandel Peninsula and northward. When cultivated, it develops into a shrub approximately 1.5m tall. The leaves are soft and vary in shape, featuring shallowly toothed edges. Flowering takes place over several months starting in spring, producing striking heads of white daisies. This plant can be somewhat temperamental when grown in gardens. It thrives in a shaded area with well-drained soil that retains adequate moisture and requires regular pruning to maintain its shape.

Natural habitat:

An epiphyte of lowland to lower montane forest, sometimes terrestrial.

Growing environment:

Shade & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Locally scattered throughout New Zealand’s North Island.

Height: 1.5m

Flowering:

August - October with a white or yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

October - December

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Forests.

How to grow:

Temperamental. Best grown from fresh seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though