Botanical name:

Ranunculus macropus

Common name(s):

Swamp buttercup

About:

R. macropus is a fascinating succulent plant, characterised by its sparingly branched herbaceous structure, and is often found creeping across muddy surfaces while rooting at the nodes, or alternatively, it may be observed floating gracefully in water. The leaves of this intriguing plant are deeply cut and divided into 3-5 lobes, presenting a unique appearance, complemented by flowers that measure 1-2cm in diameter, showcasing petals that can be either yellow or greenish in hue. Both the leaves and flowers are borne on stalks, which can reach lengths of up to 50cm for the leaves, while the flower stalks tend to be shorter, extending to about 15cm. Each flower, once developed, transforms into a small, many-seeded head that measures approximately 5-6mm in diameter.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland. Usually found in raupō (Typha orientalis) dominated wetlands where it grows in still moderately deep to deep water.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wetland & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and northern South Islands. In the North Island formerly widespread from the northern Waikato south to Wellington. Most recent collections come from the western Waikato, Rotorua Lakes District and East Cape to Hawkes Bay. In the South Island, apparently always scarce, and there seem to have been few collections made over the last 20 or so years. Recently (2010) a population was found at Canadian Flats on the Taieri River in Otago, and scattered populations are present in wetlands on the Canterbury Plains west of Christchurch, and at Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere.

Height: 50cm

Flowering: 

September - April with a yellow – green coloured flower/s (sporadic flowering may occur through the year)

Fruiting:

October - July

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Wetland’s

How to grow:

Easy from the division of whole plants and from fresh seed. A wetland species which requires permanently damp but sunny situations. A good option for shallow ponds.

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