punakuru

Lobelia anceps | punakuru, New Zealand lobelia, shore lobelia

 

A low-growing, herbaceous perennial groundcover, Lobelia anceps typically reaches about 10 cm in height, spreading by prostrate branches that root at the nodes to form dense mats. It has short, narrow, oblong leaves and produces delicate sprays of flowers in shades of mauve, blue, or white, blooming prolifically from spring through to autumn.

This resilient plant is common in coastal regions and lowland areas across New Zealand, where it thrives in sunny, open sites. Unfussy about soil, it is particularly well-suited to damp or boggy ground and will readily re-sprout after winter dieback, making it an excellent choice for wet areas, pondsides, or as an easy-care groundcover.

coastal scrub

coastal forest

lowland forest

cliff faces

streamsides

lake margin

open rocky places

salt marshes

wet

moist

well drained

free draining

dry

full sun

partial shade

height | 10cm

width | 30cm

flowering | August - May

fruiting | October - August

Although widespread in New Zealand, Lobelia anceps is also native to southern Africa and Australia and has naturalised in parts of Brazil. It was first collected in New Zealand by Joseph Banks during Captain Cook’s voyage.