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Description
Acaena Novae-Zelandiae, commonly known as bidgee-widgee or pirri-pirri bur, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is native to New Zealand and Australia and is commonly found in coastal regions, grasslands, and open forests. This plant has a unique appearance with its spiky leaves and small, reddish-purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Acaena |
Appearance
Acaena Novae-Zelandiae has a unique appearance with its spiky leaves that grow up to 3 inches long. The leaves are green, with a slightly bluish tint, and have a serrated edge. The flowers of this plant are small and reddish-purple, blooming in the spring and summer. After the flowers are pollinated, they produce small, spherical fruits that have hooked spines, making them stick to clothing and animal fur. This plant can grow up to 6 inches tall and spread up to 3 feet wide.
Care Guide
Acaena Novae-Zelandiae is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: This plant does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize it once a year with a slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Acaena Novae-Zelandiae can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Acaena Novae-Zelandiae is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. To prevent root rot, make sure to plant it in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Acaena Novae-Zelandiae is native to New Zealand and Australia and can be found in coastal regions, grasslands, and open forests. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. This plant can grow in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate moderate drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Acaena Novae-Zelandiae grow in containers?
A: Yes, Acaena Novae-Zelandiae can grow in containers as long as the container has drainage holes and the soil is well-draining.
Q: How often should I fertilize Acaena Novae-Zelandiae?
A: You can fertilize Acaena Novae-Zelandiae once a year with a slow-release fertilizer.
Q: Does Acaena Novae-Zelandiae attract bees?
A: Yes, Acaena Novae-Zelandiae flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Q: How do I propagate Acaena Novae-Zelandiae?
A: You can propagate Acaena Novae-Zelandiae by dividing the plant in the spring or by taking stem cuttings in the summer.
Related Plants
– Acaena inermis- Acaena magellanica- Acaena microphylla- Acaena novae-zelandiae ‘Purpurea’- Acaena saccaticupula
References
– “Acaena Novae-Zelandiae.” PlantNet. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Acaena~novae-zelandiae- “Acaena Novae-Zelandiae.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c805- “Acaena Novae-Zelandiae.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/1289/Acaena-novae-zelandiae/Details
