Back to gallery

Botanical satellites

These beautiful seed heads belong to the NZ bidibid (acaena anserinifolia), a pretty plant but sometimes regarded as a serious nuisance. The English name bidibid is a corruption of the Maori name piripiri. Its barbed seeds readily tangle in animal hair or fleece and hikers' clothes, especially woolen socks where they become embedded almost permanently. I have tramping socks that have been worn and washed multiple times and piripiri seeds still cling deep in the weave. Nevertheless, it is a pretty plant with attractive leaves and a thick spreading habit making it an excellent ground cover.

289 views
0 faves
0 comments
Uploaded on May 25, 2009
Taken on May 25, 2009