Botanical name:

Donatia novae-zelandiae 

Common name(s):

Donatia, New Zealand Cushion, Snow Cushion

About:

The NZ Snow Cushion forms a dense, lush dark green cushion that can reach up to 1m across when found in the wild, but tends to grow more slowly and remain smaller in cultivated settings. During the summer months, it becomes adorned with an abundance of small white flowers that are characterised by five petals and possess a somewhat fleshy texture. This plant is a native species commonly found in bogs located in the alpine regions stretching from the Tararua Range southward. It thrives in conditions with very moist, peaty soil and is adaptable enough to grow in either sun or shade. Although it is well suited to being cultivated in an alpine house environment, it remains quite difficult to obtain for gardening enthusiasts.

Natural habitat:

Alpine & subalpine areas above 800m, with high-rainfall & poor drainage.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North Island (Tararua Range southwards), South Island and Stewart Islands of New Zealand, and also Tasmania in Australia.

Height: 15cm

Flowering:

January to March with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

February - March

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings, Flowers

How to grow:

Grown from fresh seed or more commonly division.

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