Botanical name:

Gunnera hamiltonii 

Common name(s):

About:

An extremely rare species, which was first discovered on Stewart Island and in the vicinity of Invercargill, is now known to exist in only a handful of populations across its limited range. It holds the distinction of being the largest native species in the area, characterised by its unique spoon-shaped brownish green leaves that lie flat against the ground. Interestingly, the male and female flowers are found on separate plants, with the female plant bearing tiny drooping berries that exhibit vibrant red to orange hues following the flowering period.

Natural habitat: 
A coastal species of consolidated, sparsely vegetated damp sand, in dune slacks and swales.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

Found in sand dunes near Invercargill and along the western side of Stewart Island in New Zealand.

Height: 5cm

Flowering:  

August – December with a yellow coloured flower/s  

Fruiting:

March - July (based on observation of cultivated plants)

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Ground cover

How to grow:

Easily grown from rooted pieces and divisions of whole plants. Seed produced from fruits made in cultivation has germinated readily. Grows best in damp, shaded ground free of weeds. Very hardy, pieces accidentally frozen for several days, when thawed continued to grow.

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