Botanical name:

Rhabdothamnus solandri

Common name(s):

New Zealand gloxinia, taurepo, kaikaiatua, mata, matata, waiuatua

About:

A small, slender, and branching shrub that features distinctive, bristly hairs on its branches and leaves, it also showcases attractive orange-red tubular flowers that draw attention and add beauty to the surrounding landscape.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland and lower montane. Mostly a rupestral species in forest though it will extend into shrub-land. Rhabdothamnus is especially common in the lowland karst of the western Waikato where it is a prominent shrub along the many limestone gorges, outcrops, and cave entrances of that area. Although more common in coastal and lowland situations Rhabdothamnus can occur well inland in situations where frost is limited, such as along the banks of the Waikato River (near Mangakino)

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island and adjacent offshore islands. From Te Paki (North Cape) south to Manawatu Gorge, then disjunct to just north of Pauatahanui Inlet, Porirua Harbour and at Smiths Creek near Makara, Wellington.

Height: 2m

Flowering: 

Throughout the year but peaking between October and February with a yellow or orange coloured flower/s.

Fruiting:

Fruiting occurs throughout the year and the seeds are a tiny dry capsule which develops a few weeks after the flower dies.

Uses:

Bee food, Riparian plantings & Forests.

How to grow:

Can be grown from semi hardwood cuttings with variable success. Fresh seed generally germinates easily. An attractive plant for a semi-shaded site in free-draining, fertile (high Ca, Mg) soil. The flower colour varies from dark crimson through orange to yellow. The yellow form is the one more commonly available at garden centres.

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