Botanical name:

Elatostema rugosum

Common name(s):

Parataniwha, New Zealand begonia

About:

This native herbaceous ground cover is most commonly found in exceptionally wet and shaded environments, such as the bank sides of streams and the depths of gullies throughout the North Island. Growing to an impressive height of up to 1 m, the parataniwha displays attractive bronze-green leaves that occasionally showcase beautiful purple tones, a characteristic that can vary depending on the composition of the soil in which it thrives.

Natural habitat:

Damp and shaded areas often by stream sides in lowland to montane forest.

Growing environment:

Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island only, from North Cape to Kapiti Island and the Tararua range. Locally sparse in the lower North Island.

Height: 1m

Uses:

Forests & Ground covers.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed. When placed in the right shaded and moist soils the parataniwha can make an excellent ground cover or edging plant in gardens and can look tidy with little to no maintenance.

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