Pentachondra pumila

[David Lyttle]

Maggi,

It most likely did not appreciate the shade. Its natural habitat would be most similar to that favoured by the small Vacciniums or Empetrum nigrum. (translating to the Northern Hemisphere circum- boraeal flora)

[Lesley Cox]

You're right Maggi, more sun would have helped with flowering/fruiting. Most of NZ's alpine bogs are in full sun, usually on exposed, windy hilltops. I don't understand how the top of a hill/mountain can be a bog. Why doesn't the water drain downwards? But it doesn't, and there are many very fine species in these sunny but soggy habitats.

[t00lie]

I was out in the field last weekend seed collecting.Some of the 'usual suspects' were still in bloom--Celmisias ,Gentians and others ---however the most impressive display was from the Pentachondra.

In the area i was visiting the numerous berried patches from a distance had a purplish look to them--the following close up shot shows the true colour of the foliage.

As David has mentioned it is not only found in bogs--most of the plants viewed on Saturday were in exposed rocky sites where at times the soil must get quite dry --although to be frank i doubt that this would have occurred this summer down in the south here.   

Cheers dave.

[David Lyttle]

I am just back from four days in Northern Southland and as Dave said there is still a lot flowering.  The plants I saw wer growing in comparatively dry rocky sites. In one place the plant/ plants covered many square metres as a complete carpet.

[Anthony Darby]

I'm sure it would make a lovely plant in a trough? The red berries just add to its charm.

[Carlo]

Fantastic Dave!

[Lesley Cox]

Dave did you think to take some cuttings or rooted bits from that superb plant? I ask because it seems to be a very good form in that the fruit is well exposed above the foliage whereas it often nestles among it, hiding much of the beauty. This one is really very good. Before I read the next posts I thought "Carlo will like that one." 

[David Lyttle]

Just to complement Daves photo here is a picture of Pentachondra pumila flowering taken two days ago. No sign of fruit on this plant.

[Carlo]

Still a stunner David...

[cohan]

Just to complement Daves photo here is a picture of Pentachondra pumila flowering taken two days ago. No sign of fruit on this plant.

it is a really nice plant--in flower OR fruit; really nice foliage on this one, too

[Anthony Darby]

Note to self: " remember to take pic of Dryas octopetala which covers several square metres to the side of a house driveway along the road from my house."

[ranunculus]

Note to self: " remember to take pic of Dryas octopetala which covers several square metres to the side of a house driveway along the road from my house."

Not in bloom yet Anthony, surely?    ... or is this a long term reminder?