Botanical name:
Leptinella minor
Common name(s):
Banks Peninsula button daisy
About:
A creeping plant that lies very flat to the ground, creating a lush and inviting carpet of greenery. It features very small, fern-like leaves that are a delicate shade of light green. Due to its tight and compact growth habit, this plant has occasionally been utilised for bowling greens, providing a suitable surface for the sport.
Natural habitat:
Sea level to 600m, on rock outcrops and associated open, rubbly skeletal soils. Usually found in sites within little surrounding vegetation. Sometimes in open grassland.
Growing environment:
Frost, Sun & Coastal tolerant.
Endemic distribution:
New Zealand’s South Island, Banks Peninsula - however historic herbarium specimens show it was once on the Canterbury Plains
Height: 2cm
Flowering:
September - July with a white coloured flower/s
Fruiting:
September – August
Uses:
Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Ground cover
How to grow:
Easily grown from the division of established plants and from fresh seed. This is an attractive, long flowering species which makes an excellent rock garden plant. It flourishes best in a sunny situation when planted in a free draining, fertile soil. Dislikes humidity.