Niniao

Botanical name: Helichrysum lanceolatum
Synonyms: Ozothamnus lanceolatus, Helichrysum glomeratum var. lanceolatum, Helichrysum glomeratum var. majus, Swammerdamia glomerata, Helichrysum glomeratum, Helichrysum aggregatum
Common name(s): Niniao

About:
A variable, much-branched endemic shrub with small grey-green leaves, pale woolly undersides and rounded clusters of tiny creamy-white flowers. Helichrysum lanceolatum commonly forms an irregular, tangled shrub and is particularly characteristic of open forest margins, shrubland, rocky country and disturbed habitats.

Plants vary considerably across their range. Those growing in exposed, dry and rocky places often develop much smaller leaves and more compact growth than plants occurring in sheltered or moister environments. This variation historically resulted in several different names and varieties being applied to the species.

Natural habitat:
Occurs in a broad range of habitats from coastal areas to lower montane country. It is particularly associated with open forest, forest margins, shrubland, rocky slopes, cliffs, disturbed ground and dry open sites.

It can tolerate relatively dry substrates and is frequently found on rocky or shallow soils where competition from larger vegetation is reduced.

Growing environment:
Frost, Sun, Wind, Drought & Free Draining tolerant. Performs best in an open position with good light and well-drained soil, although it also tolerates partial shade and more humid forest-margin conditions.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Widespread from the Northland Peninsula through the North Island and South Island, and also occurring on Aotea/Great Barrier Island and the Chatham Islands.

It occurs from near sea level to approximately 900 m elevation.

Height:
Usually 1–3 m tall.

Width:
Approximately 1–2.5 m, often becoming broad, tangled and irregular with age.

Flowering:
October – January
Produces numerous small creamy-white flower heads arranged in conspicuous rounded clusters toward the ends of branchlets.

Fruiting:
December – February
Produces small dry achenes equipped with fine pappus hairs that allow the seed to be dispersed by wind.

Uses:
• Native shrubland restoration
• Forest-margin planting
• Dryland revegetation
• Rocky and exposed-site planting
• Native wildlife gardens
• Invertebrate habitat
• Informal screening
• Native cottage gardens
• Erosion-control planting on suitable slopes
• Biodiversity and ecological restoration

Appearance:
Growth habit:
A woody, evergreen, much-branched shrub, typically with an irregular, tangled or interlacing structure.

Young branchlets are finely hairy and usually dark brown, becoming lighter with age. Older stems develop light brown bark and may become somewhat grooved.

Plants growing in exposed sites are commonly shorter and denser, while sheltered specimens can develop into comparatively tall, open shrubs.

Leaves:
Leaves are arranged alternately along the stems and are highly variable in size and shape.

They may be lanceolate, elliptic, oval or nearly rounded, with flowering branchlets generally carrying smaller leaves. The upper surface is grey-green to green and relatively smooth, while the underside is densely covered with pale grey or whitish hairs.

This contrasting pale lower surface is one of the most useful characters for recognising the species.

Flowers:
Each apparent flower is actually a small composite flower head typical of the daisy family.

Numerous tiny florets are enclosed within overlapping involucral bracts, and multiple flower heads are grouped together into rounded terminal clusters. The overall effect is of small, creamy-white to white buttons with dry, papery brownish bases.

The flowers can be lightly scented and are visited by a range of small insects.

Fruit:
Following pollination, individual florets produce single-seeded dry achenes.

Each achene develops a crown of fine pappus hairs that acts like a miniature parachute, allowing ripe seed to be carried away from the parent shrub by wind.

Ecology:
Niniao is an adaptable shrub of open and transitional habitats. Its ability to tolerate dry, rocky ground and disturbed vegetation makes it an important component of regenerating shrubland and forest margins.

Its composite flowers are accessible to many small insects, allowing numerous florets to be pollinated during a single visit. The species provides food and habitat for a range of native invertebrates.

Several native moths are associated with Helichrysum lanceolatum. Larvae of species including Pseudocoremia rudisata and the uncommon Celama parvitis have been recorded feeding on its foliage. Gall-forming insects may also induce conspicuous woolly growths around developing flower heads.

Niniao is capable of hybridising with some related native members of the Asteraceae, including Anaphalioides bellioides. Such hybridisation contributes further to the morphological diversity seen within this group.

Associated habitats:
Coastal shrubland, forest margins, open forest, kānuka woodland, rocky slopes, dry shrubland, disturbed ground, regenerating forest, cliffs, dune vegetation and lower montane scrub.

How to grow:
A hardy and relatively adaptable native shrub.

Plant in full sun to partial shade in free-draining soil. Plants grown in strong light generally develop denser growth and smaller, more compact foliage, while partial shade encourages somewhat looser growth.

Once established, niniao tolerates dry periods reasonably well, although young plants benefit from regular watering during their first growing season.

It responds well to light pruning and can be trimmed after flowering to maintain a denser shape if desired.

Avoid permanently waterlogged sites.

Propagation:
Propagation is primarily from fresh seed or cuttings.

Fresh seed may be surface-sown onto a fine, free-draining seed-raising medium and kept evenly moist until germination. Because the seed is naturally wind-dispersed, only light covering is required.

Semi-hardwood cuttings taken from healthy non-flowering shoots can also be used and are particularly useful for preserving desirable growth forms or foliage characteristics.

Cultural use:
The Māori name niniao has been interpreted as referring to glowing or shining like the dawn.

Specific traditional practical uses are not extensively documented, but the species forms part of the distinctive native shrubland flora of Aotearoa and has ecological importance as habitat for native insects.

Garden value:
A useful hardy native shrub for naturalistic gardens, revegetation and exposed sites.

Its greatest ornamental features are the grey-green foliage, contrasting pale leaf undersides and dense clusters of creamy-white flowers. The tangled branching structure creates a natural, informal appearance that works particularly well in native shrub borders and ecological plantings.

Because it tolerates dry, rocky and disturbed sites, niniao is also valuable where a resilient indigenous shrub is required for relatively difficult conditions.