Shrubby tororaro - Muehlenbeckia Astonii
Also known as wiggywig or mingimingi.
A rare and threatened shrub endemic to New Zealand. Astonii is the only member of the Muehlenbeckia genus that is not a vine. Instead it is a shrub, with densely tangled divaricated branches that form a dense mat with most of the leaves on the inside where they are protected from browsing and salt-winds. In the North Island found from Eastern Wairarapa south to Cape Palliser and Sinclair Head. In the South Island now known only from Clifford Bay, the lower Awatere Catchment to Cape Campbell and Kekerengu. Also in North Canterbury, on Banks Peninsula near Lake Forsyth and on Kaitorete Spit. Kaitorete, where these photos were taken, is one of its last strongholds.
Found coastal to lowland. This species is associated with ‘grey’ scrub communities in association with various coprosma and other muehlenbeckia species, plus matagouri, coastal tree daisy, tauhinu and leafless lawyer.
The only member of the muehlenbeckia genera to form a shrub. Other species are vines, though some tumble and tangle together to resemble a shrub.
Very small heart-shaped leaves. Tiny green or white flowers. Fleshy fruits. Lizards, which are attracted to the fruit and the excellent cover these bushes provide, have an important role as seed distributors.
Shrubby tororaro - Muehlenbeckia Astonii
Also known as wiggywig or mingimingi.
A rare and threatened shrub endemic to New Zealand. Astonii is the only member of the Muehlenbeckia genus that is not a vine. Instead it is a shrub, with densely tangled divaricated branches that form a dense mat with most of the leaves on the inside where they are protected from browsing and salt-winds. In the North Island found from Eastern Wairarapa south to Cape Palliser and Sinclair Head. In the South Island now known only from Clifford Bay, the lower Awatere Catchment to Cape Campbell and Kekerengu. Also in North Canterbury, on Banks Peninsula near Lake Forsyth and on Kaitorete Spit. Kaitorete, where these photos were taken, is one of its last strongholds.
Found coastal to lowland. This species is associated with ‘grey’ scrub communities in association with various coprosma and other muehlenbeckia species, plus matagouri, coastal tree daisy, tauhinu and leafless lawyer.
The only member of the muehlenbeckia genera to form a shrub. Other species are vines, though some tumble and tangle together to resemble a shrub.
Very small heart-shaped leaves. Tiny green or white flowers. Fleshy fruits. Lizards, which are attracted to the fruit and the excellent cover these bushes provide, have an important role as seed distributors.