Pirri-Pirri Bur (Acaenia anserinifolia)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −23.3 °C

Cultivation

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in ordinary well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. A very invasive plant, spreading freely by its procumbent rooting stems[K]. It is low-growing, however, and so can be grown as a ground cover amongst taller plants[K].

Propagation

Seed - sow March in a greenhouse. Germination, which can be very poor, usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 10°c. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots, planting them out in the summer. Division in April or October. Very easy, the plants can be divided at any time of the year if required, though it will need to be done in a greenhouse during the winter months. Cuttings - August in a cold frame.

Edible uses

The leaves are used as a substitute for tea.

Medicinal uses

The leaves are antiphlogistic, carminative, diuretic and vulnerary.

Material uses

A good ground-cover plant, tolerating some treading.

Habitat

Open positions from lowland to the montane zone in North, South and Stewart Islands of New Zealand.

Native range

Eastern Australia, New Zealand. Naturalized in Britain.