Botanical name:

Macrolearia semidentata

Common name(s):

Hangatere, Chatham Island aster, swamp aster

About:

A rare and unique tree daisy originating from the remote Chatham Islands, where it thrives in specific wet peaty shrub-land environments. This fascinating plant typically reaches a height of approximately 1 m and bears a resemblance to O. chathamica, although it features narrower leaves that distinguish it from its counterpart. The large, striking daisies exhibit lovely shades of pink to light purple rays, complemented by deeper purple disks at the centre. Much like O. chathamica, this species exhibits a tendency to suddenly perish when grown in cultivation, presenting challenges for gardeners and horticulturists alike.

Natural habitat:

More or less confined to restiad bog where it is one of three woody shrubs capable of growing amongst Sporadanthus traversii (the others are mataira karupuru (Myrsine coxii) and Dracophyllum scoparium). It is a rapid coloniser of burnt peat bog.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wind, Coastal & Wetland tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Chatham Islands only

Height: 1m

Flowering: 

November  – March with a violet – purple to white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January - June

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food and Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed and semi-hardwood cuttings.

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

** Seed can be slow to germinate, taking 9 – 12 months, often with a low germination rate.