pinātoro

Pimelea prostrata subsp. prostrata | pinātoro, New Zealand daphne, Strathmore weed

 

A hardy, fast-growing prostrate shrub, pinātoro forms a dense carpet of small, pointed blue-green foliage. It is commonly found from coastal to montane forests, thriving in open sites with gravelly, sandy, or mudstone soils.

From September through May it produces masses of tiny, starry, white flowers that are sweetly scented, followed by small white berries. Ideal as a coastal groundcover, in rock gardens, on banks, or spilling over walls and paths.

Tolerant of a wide range of conditions, it performs best in full sun with free-draining soil. Its compact, carpeting form makes it excellent for low-maintenance mass planting and for adding texture to outdoor living area

scrubland

dunes

dunefields

open rocky places

cliff faces

grasslands

floodplains

moist

well drained

free draining

dry

full sun

partial shade

height | 10cm

width | 1.2m

flowering |  September - May

fruiting | October - July

Several species of Pimelea were traditionally used by Māori for medicinal purposes, including treating skin ailments. While not commonly used today, this association highlights the cultural value of New Zealand’s native flora.