Botanical name:

Leptinella squalida

Common name(s):

About:

A vigorous creeping plant characterised by its very fine, ferny foliage that displays a striking bronze-green colour. While this plant can add an attractive touch to your garden, it is important to note that it can be prone to rotting. Therefore, it requires a cool root run if planted in a wet situation to ensure its health and vitality.

Natural habitat:

Mostly coastal or inland (0-300m), in open turf, on coastal cliffs, in coastal turf, along river beds or in open grassland and open, damp places within shrub-land and lowland forest. In some urban areas reported as as a lawn weed. Often found growing with Hydrocotyle heteromeria and H. microphylla. Some forms of L. squalida subsp. squalida have also been gathered from subalpine to alpine habitats in the central North Island.

Growing environment:

Sun, Wind, Salt, Coastal, Wetland & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South (North-West Nelson only) and Chatham Islands. In North Island uncommon north of the Waikato.

Height: 1-2cm

Flowering: 

August to February with a green – yellow coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:
September to June

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Lawn cover

How to grow:

Easy from rooted pieces and tolerant of a wide range of soil, sun and shade conditions. An excellent lawn cover. Very variable, so could benefit from cultivar selection.