Botanical name:

Leptecophylla juniperina

Common name(s):

Mingimingi, Prickly Mingimingi

About:

These bushy, prickly shrubs are characterised by its hard, narrow, and sharp leaves that are distinctly white underneath. The leaves exhibit variability in shape and exist in two primary forms: one measuring 6-15mm long, which is mainly found in the western regions of both islands, and the other ranging from 7-10mm long, predominantly seen in the eastern parts of both islands (both forms are approximately 1mm wide). This shrub is also commonly associated with forests that are dominated by Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides), highlighting its ecological connections within these natural habitats.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane, in scrub and forest.

Growing environment:

Frost & Sun tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North, South and Stewart Islands of New Zealand, also Tasmania Australia.

Height: 1.5m

Flowering:

Year round with a cream or white coloured flowers.

Fruiting:

Year round with bright red or white berries.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Forests & Pioneer Plantings.

How to grow:

Difficult! They have been successfully grown as transplants from the wild, and by cuttings. At all stages plants are prone to collapse and do not like any disturbance of the roots.

**4- 6 weeks cold stratification is recommended