Botanical name:

Brachyglottis repanda

Common name(s):

Bushman's friend, Kōuaha, Pukapuka, Rangiora

About:

A common large shrub, or in some cases a small tree, features very large leaves measuring between 5 to 15cm. These thin, mottled leaves have jagged edges and boast a white colouration on their underside. The new growth is often seen covered in a soft tawny or white fuzz, adding to its unique appearance. The flowers are small and can be either white or cream, and they are typically clustered together in large, conspicuous sprays that are quite noticeable.

Natural habitat:

Common in coastal, lowland and lower montane shrubland and open forest.

Growing environment:

Clay, Drought & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North Island throughout. South Island - north west Nelson to just south of Greymouth in the west, and near Kekerengu in the east. Naturalised on Banks Peninsula, Otago Peninsula, and on Stewart Island at Oban.

Height: 4m

Flowering:

(July-) August-October (-November) with a cream or white coloured flower/s.

Fruiting:

(October-) November-December (-January)

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Pioneer Plantings

How to grow:

Very easy from fresh seed and from semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings. Fast growing but inclined to be short-lived. benefits from a hard prune after flowering.

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