Botanical name:

Gunnera prorepens

Common name(s): 

About:

An attractive species with small, oblong leaves that exhibit a captivating bronze green to purplish green hue in colour. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants, with the female plant bearing bright red ornamental fruit that stands out prominently against the lush foliage during the warm summer months.

Natural habitat: 

Boggy ground in lowland to subalpine areas

Growing environment:

Sun, Wind, Wetland & Shade tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout New Zealand the Waikato region south, more commonly in wetter western areas.

Height: 5cm

Flowering:  

October - November  with a yellow coloured flower/s  

Fruiting:

December – February 

Uses: 

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from rooted pieces and divisions of whole plants. They prefer a damp soil in sun or light shade.

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