Botanical name:

Leptecophylla robusta

Common name(s):

Chatham Island mingimingi, pouteretere

About:

The bushy, prickly shrub features hard, narrow, and sharp leaves that possess a striking white underside, and it produces red to white fruit. This unique plant is naturally found in the distinct environment of the Chatham Islands. The leaves measure approximately 12 to 20 mm in length and 3 to 7 mm in width, and they exhibit green lines that are clearly visible on the white underside of each leaf, adding to the plant's character and aesthetic appeal.

Natural habitat:

Coastal and inland in forest and scrub, also within restiad bog. Occasionally, such as on the southern tablelands, forming the forest canopy. Uncommon on sand and avoids active sand dune systems.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Chatham Islands. Chatham, Pitt and South-East Islands

Height: 8m

Flowering: 

Throughout the year with a cream - white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

Throughout the year with a red-pink or white fleshy fruit

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Forests.

How to grow:

Difficult and should not be removed from the wild. Some people have successfully grown on plants transplanted from the wild, and cuttings, though slow can be struck. Seed will germinate but this can take 2-6 years. At all stages plants are prone to collapse and resent any disturbance of the roots.

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