rauparaha
Calystegia soldanella | rauparaha, shore bindweed, shore convolvulus
A creeping native to New Zealand's sandy coastal regions or inland along lake shorelines. This deciduous plant is distinguished by its low-growing habit, fleshy, glossy, heart-shaped leaves, and mauve-pink, trumpet-shaped flowers with a central white stripe. It flowers extensively in summer, making it an excellent groundcover for dry coastal environments, thriving in both sun and light shade. The thick, white, fleshy roots were traditionally harvested by Māori, who would pound them into a pulp to create a relish for meats.
coastal scrub
dunes
lake margin
dry
free draining
full sun
partial shade
height | 10cm
width | 1m
flowering | August-March
fruiting | Present throughout the year
This attractive groundcover, once established is ideal for challenging, dry, sunny, or exposed locations. For a unique alternative to traditional lawns, consider it for bach properties – it requires no mowing and is far more interesting than environmental weed kikuyu grass.