Botanical name:

Carmichaelia stevensonii

Common name(s):

Weeping tree broom, cord broom, Broom, Hokiawga, Native Broom

About:

A small, rare tree characterised by weeping, leafless twigs, primarily found in the South Marlborough Valleys. The bark on young branches displays distinct orange stripes. The twigs are 2mm wide, exhibiting a grooved and rounded structure while drooping downwards. The flowers are white with purple streaks, arranged in drooping spikes. This species faces severe threats from browsing animals, particularly wild goats. In certain lower altitude sites, regeneration is minimal due to the presence of introduced grasses that outcompete seedlings and colonise fresh disturbed areas where seedlings would typically germinate. Recent field surveys indicate that this species is at greater risk than previously recognised.

Natural habitat:

Found in low scrub or sparsely vegetated sites overlying free draining colluvial or alluvial soil, rock land, and steep mountain slopes.

Growing environment:

Sun & Drought tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Confined to inland river valleys of South Marlborough.

Height: 5m

Flowering:

December – January with a Violet/Purple or White coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

March – May with a small dry sharp-tipped hairy pod containing a single hard seed.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant & Bee food

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed. Can be grown with some difficulty from semi hardwood cuttings. Dislikes humidity and once established should not be moved.

** Seed requires scarification before sowing. Hot water treatment works well for this species.