Rhabdothamnus solandri native plants index
Taurepo (scientific name: Rhabdothamnus solandri) is New Zealand's only member of the gloxinia family and one of our most distinctive native shrubs. This remarkable plant produces stunning orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers with yellow throats, creating a spectacular display in shaded forest understoreys. Endemic to the North Island, it's highly valued by gardeners for its unique tropical appearance and beautiful blooms. Explore more in the native plants index.
Taurepo (Rhabdothamnus solandri) is a native species valued in gardens and restoration for its form and resilience in suitable conditions. Learn more about native shrubs in our native plants guide.
| Scientific Name | Rhabdothamnus solandri |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Taurepo, New Zealand Gloxinia, Mātātā, Waiū-atua, Kaikaiatua |
| Height | Up to 2 meters |
| Leaves | Grey-green, often with brown hairs, rounded, toothed edge. |
| Flowers | Trumpet-shaped, 20-40mm long, colors range from orange, brick-red, yellow, purple, or pink with red/dark orange veins. |
| Flowering Season | Year-round, peaking October-February. |
| Habitat | North Island and offshore islands, coastal to lowland and lower montane areas, rocky sites, gorges, cave entrances. |
| Unique Status | Sole species in genus Rhabdothamnus, only New Zealand native member of Gesneriaceae family. |
| Pollination | Primarily by native New Zealand honeyeaters (bellbird, tūī, stitchbird). |
| Conservation Status | Not Threatened (but faces challenges from introduced pests and lack of effective pollinators). |
| Discovery | First documented by Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander in 1769. |
| Water Needs | Moderate; prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil |
| Light | Partial shade to dappled light; protect from direct sun |
| Spread | 1-2 m |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate; protect from hard frosts |
| Salt Tolerance | Low; requires protection from salt exposure |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Long |
Regional climate suitability across major New Zealand cities.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Taurepo (Rhabdothamnus solandri) is a rupestral plant, meaning it naturally grows on shallow soils or directly on rock. It thrives in free-draining, rocky, yet fertile sites, often found on limestone karst formations. While it prefers good drainage, it is also noted as being wetland tolerant, suggesting some adaptability to moisture levels.
Taurepo is adaptable to both sun and shade, though it often performs best in partial shade. It is not typically found in dense forest but thrives on open bluffs or cliff faces where it receives adequate light without being exposed to the harshest sun.
While it prefers free-draining conditions, Taurepo is tolerant of short periods of dry conditions once established. It is also noted as being wetland tolerant, indicating it can handle varying moisture levels. Consistent moisture is generally beneficial, but excellent drainage is key to prevent waterlogging.
Taurepo (Rhabdothamnus solandri) is a unique New Zealand native shrub that, once established, requires relatively little attention. Its care can be summarized by its preferred growing conditions and flowering habits, with some seasonal considerations.
Taurepo (Rhabdothamnus solandri) is a naturally bushy shrub that generally requires minimal pruning. Pruning is primarily undertaken to maintain its shape, manage its size, or remove any unhealthy growth.
Taurepo (Rhabdothamnus solandri), New Zealand's only member of the Gesneriaceae family, is a distinctive native shrub known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. This unique plant is highly valued for its ornamental appeal and its ecological role as a nectar source for native birds. While generally robust, successful cultivation and propagation require attention to its specific needs, mimicking its natural habitat in shaded forest understoreys and rocky sites. Understanding its propagation methods is key to successfully establishing this beautiful native.
Taurepo can be readily propagated from fresh seeds. Collect the small seeds from the ripe capsules when they are mature, typically after the main flowering period. Sow the seeds promptly in a well-drained seed-raising mix, lightly covering them with fine medium. Germination is generally easy and reliable without special pretreatment, often occurring within a few weeks under optimal conditions. Maintain consistent moisture in the seed tray and keep it in a sheltered position with bright, indirect light. Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves and are stable, carefully prick them out into individual small pots, minimizing root disturbance. Grow them on in a sheltered environment with steady moisture before gradually hardening them off for planting out.
Propagation from semi-hardwood cuttings is also possible, though success rates can be variable. Take 10-15 cm cuttings from healthy, current season's growth, ideally in summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Insert the cuttings into a well-drained cutting mix (e.g., sand and perlite), maintaining good humidity around the cuttings, perhaps under a plastic dome or in a propagator. Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect light. Rooting can be slow and may take several months. This method is generally more successful for experienced propagators or in specialized nursery settings with controlled environmental conditions.
Taurepo (Rhabdothamnus solandri) while generally robust, faces specific challenges primarily from introduced pests and the decline of its native pollinators, rather than widespread diseases.
Rhabdothamnus solandri, commonly known as Taurepo or New Zealand Gloxinia, is a truly unique and captivating shrub endemic to New Zealand. It holds the distinction of being the sole species within its genus and the only member of the Gesneriaceae family (which includes popular houseplants like African Violets and Gloxinias) native to New Zealand. This small, bushy shrub, growing up to 2 meters tall, is celebrated for its distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom year-round, peaking between October and February. These vibrant flowers, which can range from orange, brick-red, yellow, purple, to pink with contrasting veins, are a vital food source for native honeyeaters like the tūī and bellbird.
