Pimelea prostrata

(J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.) Willd.

Pinatoro, Strathmore weed

Thymelaeaceae Edible: Fruit 1,194 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Pimelea prostrata, commonly known as Strathmore weed, New Zealand Daphne, and Pinātoro (Māori) is a species of small shrub, of the family Thymelaeaceae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has small white flowers and blue green leaves.

Description

An evergreen shrub growing only 0.1m tall by 0.4m wide, hardy to UK zone 9, suitable as ground cover. Year-round leaves with flowers from May to June. Requires full sun and well-drained light sandy or medium loamy soil with mildly acid to very acid pH. Forms dense carpets when spaced 30cm apart.

Edible Uses

The fruits can be eaten raw or cooked. They are up to 2mm in diameter and may be fleshy or dry depending on the plant.

Traditional Uses

Caution: The leaves are other plant parts contain prostratin which is poisonous.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

New Zealand*,

Propagation

Sow seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in autumn if possible, otherwise in early spring. When large enough to handle, prick seedlings into individual pots and grow on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and give plants some protection from cold during at least their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel can be taken in July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings 5cm long can be taken in late spring.

Other Uses

Plants form dense carpets and work well as ground cover, best spaced about 30cm apart each way.

References (3)

Crowe, A., 1997, A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Penguin. p 43
Lavelle, M., 2008, Wild Flowers of Australia and Oceania. Southwater. p 77
Sp pl. 1:51. 1797