Botanical name:

Pentachondra pumila

Common name(s):

About:

Often growing in wet peaty sites, this resilient plant is predominantly found in subalpine areas stretching from Coromandel Peninsula all the way southward. It forms a dense patch of small, oblong-shaped leaves that create a stunning visual during its growing season. In late spring and summer, it produces tiny tubular white flowers adorned with delicate furry petals. Following this blooming period, the flowers give way to small, vibrant red berries that add a pop of colour to its surroundings. For optimal growth, it is best cultivated in a peaty, moist, yet well-drained soil, enjoying either full sun or light shade to thrive.

Natural habitat:

Subalpine to low-alpine areas from 600-1500m, in cushion bogs, open snow tussock grasslands, herb-fields and herb moor. Frequently grows in exposed or rocky sites or in poorly drained peaty areas.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South and Stewart Islands

Height: 10cm

Flowering: 

November – January with a white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

December – April. The fruits take two seasons to ripen, being quite small and green by autumn and maturing during the following summer.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Alpine plantings

How to grow:

Propagation easiest by division but also achievable from seed.

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