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.