Convolvulus tuguriorum

Botanical name: Convolvulus tuguriorum
Synonyms: Calystegia tuguriorum
Common name(s): Climbing Convolvulus, NZ Bindweed, Pōuwhiwhi, Pōwhiwhi, Rarotawake

About:
A vigorous indigenous perennial vine with twining stems, heart-shaped leaves and large white funnel-shaped flowers. This adaptable bindweed occurs naturally throughout much of New Zealand and extends to Chile and the Juan Fernández Islands.

Natural habitat:
Coastal and lowland shrublands, forest margins, grey scrub, lava fields, open rocky ground and occasionally wetland margins.

Growing environment:
Thrives in sunny open sites with moist but well-drained soils. Tolerates coastal exposure, moderate drought and a wide range of soil types.

Endemic distribution:
Indigenous throughout the North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands of New Zealand. Also present in Chile and the Juan Fernández Islands.

Height:
Climbing or scrambling stems to 10 m long

Width:
Spreads extensively by twining stems and rooted fragments

Flowering:
September – March

Fruiting:
Present throughout the year

Uses:

• Native climber for fences and trellises
• Coastal revegetation
• Shrubland restoration
• Screening plant
• Habitat plantings
• Ground stabilisation on banks and rocky slopes

Appearance:

Growth habit:
Fast-growing perennial vine with numerous slender twining or scrambling stems, often forming dense tangled masses over surrounding vegetation.

Foliage:
Leaves broad-ovate, triangular to kidney-shaped with cordate bases and acute tips. Foliage thin, hairless and usually bright to dark green.

Flowers:
Large white funnel-shaped flowers occasionally flushed pale pink, borne singly on long stalks above the foliage.

Flower colours:
White

Fruit:
Broad ovoid capsules containing smooth orange seeds.

Ecology:
An important indigenous climbing species of coastal and lowland ecosystems, providing shelter and nectar resources within shrubland and forest margins. Capsules are dispersed by water and possibly wind.

Associated habitats:
Common in coastal shrublands, open scrub, rocky ground, lava fields, forest margins and disturbed lowland habitats.

How to grow:
Easy to cultivate in sunny positions with adequate moisture and support structures for climbing. Can become vigorous and invasive if left unmanaged.

Propagation:
Very easy from seed, rooted stem fragments and pieces of rhizome. Rooted sections establish rapidly.

Cultural use:

• Known traditionally by the Māori names pōuwhiwhi, pōwhiwhi and rarotawake
• Part of the indigenous vine flora familiar within traditional Māori landscapes

Garden value:
A vigorous and attractive native climber ideal for covering fences, hedges and large banks. The abundant white flowers create a striking display through spring and summer, particularly when allowed to scramble naturally through shrubs or over retaining walls.