Botanical name:

Styphelia nesophila (Leucopogon fraseri)

Common name(s):

Pātōtara, dwarf mingimingi

About:

A prostrate and sprawling plant characterised by its small, sharply pointed leaves that exhibit a bronzy green colour, which are closely packed along the branches for a dense appearance. During the spring and summer seasons, it bears clusters of small, delicate white tubular flowers that add beauty to its foliage, and these charming flowers are soon followed by bright orangey-red berries that attract various wildlife. This fascinating plant thrives in shrub-land and grassland habitats, thriving in coastal regions as well as subalpine areas throughout New Zealand. For optimal growth and flourishing, it is recommended that this plant is provided with very well-drained soil and positioned in a sunny location to receive ample light.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to low-alpine regions from sea level to 1600 metres. Usually common in dry places in coastal dune hollows, low tussock grasslands, rocky places and fell-fields.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind, Coastal, Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South and Stewart Islands.

Height: 30cm

Flowering:

August to October with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

with a orange, yellow or red coloured egg shaped fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Ground cover.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

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