hutiwai
Acaena anserinifolia | hutiwai, bidibid, piripiri
A very dense, fast-growing groundcover with attractive bluish-green foliage and distinctive velcro-like seed pods. It spreads to form tight mats that are highly effective at suppressing weeds and stabilising surface soils. Hardy and vigorous, this species is well suited to low-maintenance landscapes where rapid ground coverage and soil protection are required.
typical habitat.
subalpine scrub
lowland forest
subalpine forest
forest margins
drainage.
dry
well drained
free draining
sun.
full sun
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 15cm
width | 1m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | October–January
fruiting | December–April
did you know?
The Māori name piripiri is used for several Acaena species in Aotearoa New Zealand and reflects the plant’s famously sticky seeds. The word piri appears across many Polynesian languages and refers to clinging or adhering plants. The English name “biddy-bid” is thought to come from an early mishearing of piripiri. Over time, biddy even became a verb in New Zealand English, meaning to pick burrs or seeds off clothing.