Botanical name:

Machaerina teretifolia

Common name(s):

About:

A very vigorous and robust plant that is best suited to revegetation planting efforts. It is commonly found in lowland swamps throughout most of the North Island and also in the Nelson-Marlborough region of the South Island. The light green, rush-like foliage can grow impressively tall, reaching heights of up to 1 m. Similar to the preceding species, it requires full sun exposure, ample moisture in the soil, and plenty of space to thrive effectively.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane (up to 900m) mostly in moderately acid to extremely acidic peat bogs, (especially low moor bogs and restiad bogs), also in gum land and pakihi. Less commonly found growing along the margins of peat lakes slow-flowing streams draining peat bogs, or along drainage ditches.

Growing environment:

Sun, Coastal, Wetland, Wind & Free draining tolerant

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Islands - common in the northern half of the North Island, then less so though locally common around Wellington. In the South Island common in Nelson and Westland. Also Australia and New Guinea.

Height: 1m

Flowering:

October – December

Fruiting:

Fruits may be found throughout the year

Uses:

Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and by the division of whole plants - though plants may take some time to settle. Although it prefers an acidic, permanently damp soil, plants can be grown in free draining soils and once established will tolerate dry spells reasonably well. Plants also flourish in pots and do well when planted in a medium comprising mostly untreated pine sawdust.

** 4 – 6 weeks cold stratification is recommended