Pratia angulata - (G.Forst.)Hook.f.
(G.Forst.)Hook.f.
gbif· cc-by-nc-sa
GBIF
gbif· cc-by-nc-sa
GBIF
gbif· cc-by-nc-sa
GBIF
Description
Pratia angulata is an evergreen Perennial at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Leaves - cooked. They are available all year round.
Distribution
New Zealand.
Where It Grows
AUSTRALASIA: New Zealand (Antipodes Islands, North Island, South Island, Stewart Island)
Cultivation
Prefers a sheltered position in sun or light part-day shade in a moist gritty freely draining soil. This species is hardy to about -10°c, and perhaps more when growing in a suitable site. It does not thrive in areas where the summers are long and hot. A polymorphic species. A good plant for the rock garden, it can be invasive though and has become a lawn weed in some gardens.
Propagation
Seed - best sown in a cold frame in the autumn. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in the autumn. Overwinter the plants in a cold greenhouse and plant out in late spring. Cuttings of basal shoots in early summer. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
