Botanical name:

Lobelia angulata (Pratia angulata)

Common name(s):

Panakenake, pratia

About:

A creeping mat-forming plant that can be found throughout New Zealand in various damp areas ranging from sea level to an impressive height of 1300 m. This resilient plant features small rounded leaves and produces delicate flowers over an extended period starting from spring. The tiny flowers are predominantly white and display dainty flaring petals, which are subsequently followed by attractive reddish-purple berries. It serves as a vigorous ground cover suitable for damp areas, thriving in both sunny and semi-shaded environments. Additionally, L. arenaria is a species that bears similarity to this plant, often discovered in damp, shady locales on the Chatham Islands, Antipodes Islands, and in northeastern Otago.

Natural habitat:

Common in damp situations in subalpine grasslands, banks, streamsides, open forest and herbfields up to 1300m.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

Throughout New Zealand

Height: 20cm

Flowering: 

Spring - Summer with a white- bluish coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

Autumn with red berries

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Ground cover

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed, stem cuttings and rooted pieces.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.