<i>Plantago novae zelandiae</i> (Plantago novae-zelandiae) hero image

NZ Plantain

Plantago novae-zelandiae

Not specified

This native plant, known as NZ Plantain (scientific name: Plantago novae-zelandiae ), is a remarkable species endemic to New Zealand. It is characterized by its unique features, ecological role, and cultural significance. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on its care, propagation, and importance within the New Zealand ecosystem. Understanding this plant contributes to the appreciation of our rich biodiversity and heritage, and supports conservation efforts for Browse All .

<i>Plantago novae zelandiae</i> (Plantago novae-zelandiae) showing <i>Plantago novae zelandiae</i> growth habit
Image credit: NZ Plantain (Plantago novae-zelandiae) - Photo via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Identification and Physical Characteristics

NZ Plantain ( Plantago novae-zelandiae ) is a perennial herb endemic to New Zealand, forming small rosettes with a primary root that can be up to 15 mm thick Discover more about native grasses. Each rosette typically has 10 to 40 leaves, which are usually narrowly angular-ovate or angular-ovate, and can be up to 88 mm long (including the petiole) and 19 mm wide. The leaves are often punctate (dotted) and may have isolated hairs or be sparsely hairy on the upper surface, while usually glabrous or with isolated hairs on the lower surface. A distinctive feature is the presence of short (less than 10 mm long), rust-coloured leaf axillary hairs in the basal rosette. The leaves have 1-3 veins, an acute apex, and smooth, wavy, or minutely toothed edges. It produces up to 14 erect inflorescences per rosette, which can reach up to 115 mm in length. The spikes are usually globose or ovoid and contain 2-20 densely crowded flowers. The fruit is a dry, dehiscent capsule, typically broadly ellipsoid or globose, containing 1-4 uniform rust or brown ellipsoid seeds, each 1.3-2.1 mm long. It flowers from November to January and fruits from December to April.

Quick Facts

Plantago novae-zelandiae quick facts
Scientific Name Plantago novae-zelandiae
Height 5-15 cm
Spread 30-60 cm
Water Needs Low-moderate; well-drained soils
Light Full sun
Frost Tolerance Hardy once established
Salt Tolerance High; excellent for coastal conditions
Growth Rate Moderate
Lifespan Perennial

Climate Best Suited to

Plantago novae zelandiae is well adapted to various New Zealand regions.

Regional Suitability

City suitability for Plantago novae zelandiae
City Climate Suitability
Auckland High
Wellington High
Christchurch Medium

Plant Habitat

Natural Occurrence and Ecology

NZ Plantain ( Plantago novae-zelandiae ) is a perennial herb endemic to New Zealand, found on both the North and South Islands. It thrives in subalpine to alpine environments, specifically in herbfields, grasslands, and scrub, showcasing its adaptation to high-altitude, open habitats.Damp to Wet Areas:This plant is typically found in damp to very wet areas, including bogs, tarns (small mountain lakes), flushes (areas of groundwater seepage), and on rocks or outcrops. This indicates its preference for consistently moist conditions.High Altitudes:It grows at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,700 meters (3000 to 5,600 ft) above sea level, highlighting its hardiness and adaptation to cooler, exposed environments.Facultative Wetland Species:It is considered a facultative wetland species, meaning it can grow in both wetland and non-wetland conditions, but often specializes in wetland habitats.Robust Root System:Its robust root system allows it to endure competitive and dynamic environments, contributing to its survival in challenging alpine conditions.Open Habitats:It is a low, tufting plantain of open, often alpine or subalpine habitats, forming hardy mats with lanceolate leaves.The presence of Plantago novae-zelandiae in these specific habitats underscores its ecological importance in contributing to the biodiversity and stability of New Zealand's unique alpine and subalpine ecosystems.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

  • Well-drained
  • Loamy

Light Requirements

Grows best in partial to full sun.

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Shade

Water Requirements

Requires regular watering during dry periods.

  • Regular
  • Drought tolerant once established

Planting and Establishing

Establishment Guidance

New Zealand Plantain is best established in a position that receives partial to full sun, closely mimicking its natural subalpine to alpine herbfield habitat. It requires consistently moist but well-drained soil, ideally rich in organic matter. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and ensure the rosette is level with the soil surface to prevent rot. Providing a cool root run with a layer of fine gravel mulch can help maintain the stable soil temperatures and moisture levels this species prefers for healthy growth.

Ecological Role

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impact

Plantago novae-zelandiae plays a vital role in fragile alpine ecosystems by providing ground cover that helps stabilize damp soils and reduce erosion on mountain slopes. Its flowers provide a seasonal nectar source for specialized native alpine insects, including small flies and beetles. The dense rosettes offer a micro-habitat for soil invertebrates, while the seeds serve as a food source for native birds adapted to high-altitude environments, contributing to the overall biodiversity and resilience of the alpine herbfield community.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

In a garden setting, this native plantain is a charming and subtle addition to specialized alpine troughs, rock gardens, or the edges of native garden paths. Its compact rosette form and attractive, sometimes punctate leaves provide a fine texture that contrasts beautifully with larger-leaved alpine plants or coarse gravel mulches. It is particularly valued by gardeners who appreciate the unique, understated beauty of New Zealand's high-country flora and wish to create authentic subalpine plant displays.

  • Rock gardens
  • Alpine troughs
  • Ground cover

Ecological Value

Beyond its ornamental appeal, this species is important for supporting local alpine biodiversity. It is frequently used in ecological restoration projects aimed at repairing damaged alpine herbfields and grasslands, where it helps restore the natural vegetative complexity and provide food and shelter for specialized native fauna that rely on these high-altitude habitats for survival.

  • Soil stabilization
  • Pollinator support

Landscaping Uses

Modern landscaping in cooler regions or high-altitude areas can utilize Plantago novae-zelandiae to create naturalistic, low-profile ground layers that replicate the feel of wild New Zealand mountain landscapes. Its small scale makes it perfect for filling gaps between paving stones in a courtyard or as an architectural detail in a minimalist alpine-themed design. The way it forms neat, stable rosettes allows it to be used as a durable and attractive living mulch that doesn't overwhelm smaller neighboring plants.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

As growth resumes, ensure the soil remains consistently moist. This is an ideal time to apply a very light dressing of organic compost around the base, being careful not to cover the central growing point of the rosette.

  • Monitor moisture
  • Light composting

Summer

Flowering typically occurs from November to January. Provide extra water during extended dry periods to prevent the leaves from wilting or the plant going into premature dormancy, which can weaken the central root system.

  • Regular watering
  • Deadheading

Autumn

The capsules will release brown seeds from December to April. If you wish to collect seed, monitor the spikes closely as they mature. Tidy up the area around the plants by removing any large fallen leaves that might smother the rosettes.

  • Seed collection
  • Tidy debris

Winter

Naturally very frost-hardy and adapted to snow cover. Ensure the site remains well-drained to prevent the fleshy roots from rotting in cold, waterlogged winter soil. Minimal intervention is needed during the dormant winter months.

  • Check drainage
  • Frost protection

When to Prune and How Much

New Zealand Plantain requires almost no pruning due to its naturally compact rosette form. Maintenance is primarily limited to removing the spent flower stalks once the seeds have been released to maintain a tidy appearance. Any damaged or dead outer leaves can be carefully snipped away at the base using sharp, clean scissors. Avoid pulling at the leaves, as this can damage the crown of the plant. Always ensure your tools are sterilized to prevent the spread of any potential fungal pathogens.

  • Remove spent stalks
  • Trim dead leaves

Always use clean, sharp tools.

How to Grow NZ Plantain

Cultivating Plantago novae-zelandiae ( Plantago novae-zelandiae ) is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener interested in New Zealand's unique flora. This species can be propagated through several methods, each requiring specific conditions to ensure healthy growth and establishment. Successful propagation depends on mimicking the plant's natural environment and providing consistent care during the early stages of development.

From Seed

Propagation from seed is often the most effective way to produce a large number of Plantago Novae Zelandiae plants. Seeds should be collected when they are fully mature. Freshly collected seeds generally have higher germination rates than those that have been stored for long periods.

Sow fresh seeds in a seed-raising mix.

  1. Collect seeds
  2. Sow in trays

Keep moist until germination.

From Cuttings

For those wishing to replicate specific characteristics of a parent plant, vegetative propagation via cuttings is the preferred method. This technique ensures that the new plants are genetically identical to the source. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the appropriate season usually yield the best results for this species.

Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

  1. Take cuttings
  2. Use rooting hormone

Additional Methods

Depending on the growth habit of Plantago novae zelandiae , other methods such as division or layering might also be viable options. Division is particularly suitable for plants that form dense clumps or have spreading root systems, while layering can be used for species with trailing or flexible stems.

Division can be done in early spring.

  1. Divide clumps
  2. Replant immediately

Pests & Diseases

This species is remarkably resistant to most common garden pests. Its biggest threat in cultivation is root or crown rot, which occurs if the soil remains waterlogged or if there is poor airflow around the rosette. To prevent this, ensure excellent drainage and keep the area around the base of the plant free of decaying organic debris. Occasionally, slugs or snails may target the young, tender leaves in damp weather, so regular monitoring and non-toxic control methods may be necessary during wet seasons.

Cultural Significance

Plantago novae-zelandiae, also known as NZ Plantain, holds significant cultural and medicinal value, particularly among the Māori people of New Zealand.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

The leaves of Plantago novae-zelandiae were highly regarded by Māori for their healing properties. They were traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, cuts, and various skin conditions. This was achieved either by direct application of the leaves or by preparing healing ointments from them.

Beyond external applications, Plantago novae-zelandiae was also used in traditional medicine to address internal issues such as digestive and respiratory ailments. The juice extracted from softened leaves was applied to heal deep cracks on hands and feet. For ulcers, boiled leaves were applied as a poultice, with the upper side of the leaf used to draw out impurities and the underside to promote healing once the ulcer began to close. The juice of the leaves was also applied to wounds, cuts, pierced ears, and particularly to festered sores and boils. A common method involved briefly heating the leaves over hot coals or ashes and then squeezing out the juice for application. Bruised fresh leaves were also used as a pack for boils and burns, and an infusion of boiled leaves was used for cuts.

Other Uses

The leaves of Plantago novae-zelandiae have also been consumed as a vegetable.

Bonus Tip

To truly appreciate the delicate beauty of New Zealand Plantain, grow it at eye level in an alpine trough or a raised crevice garden. This allows you to easily see the intricate patterns of the leaves and the tiny, rust-coloured axillary hairs that are characteristic of this fascinating mountain specialist.

Plant Conservation

Conservation Status

is classified as "Not Threatened" according to the most recent assessment (2022-2023) of the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS) for plants. This status has been consistent in previous assessments, including those in 2017, 2012, 2009, and 2004. This species, also known as NZ Plantain, is endemic to New Zealand, found in both the North and South Islands. It thrives in subalpine to alpine herbfields, grasslands, and scrub, often in damp to very wet areas like bogs and tarns, at elevations between 900 and 1,700 meters above sea level. Plantago novae-zelandiae