Botanical name:

Calystegia soldanella

Common name(s):

Shore bindweed, shore convolvulus, rauparaha

About:

A creeping plant native to sandy coastal regions across New Zealand, characterised by its fleshy, heart-shaped glossy leaves and mauve trumpet-shaped flowers that feature a central white stripe on each petal lobe. This plant blooms extensively from late spring, making it an exceptional ground cover for dry coastal environments, thriving in both sunlight and light shade. The Māori traditionally harvested the thick, white, fleshy roots, which were pounded into a pulp to create a relish used to enhance the flavour of various meats.

Natural habitat:

Coastal or inland along lake shorelines. Usually in sand or shell banks but also grows in fine gravel or pumice, talus slopes and on occasion in coastal turf or on cliff faces.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Coastal, Salt, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Kermadec, Three Kings, North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands. Indigenous to both Northern and Southern Hemisphere in temperate regions.

Height: 60cm

Flowering:

August-March with a pink/white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

Throughout the year.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings

How to grow:

Easy from seed or rooted pieces. Once established very hard to eradicate! An attractive ground cover for a difficult, dry, sunny or exposed spot. For a bit of variety try growing it in bach lawns - its does not require mowing and is much more interesting than kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum Chiov.)

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