Pirri-Pirri Bur
Acaenia anserinifolia

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Acaenia anserinifolia is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

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

Eastern Australia, New Zealand. Naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The leaves are used as a substitute for tea.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves are antiphlogistic, carminative, diuretic and vulnerary.

Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 3

A good ground-cover plant, tolerating some treading. A carpeting plant, rooting as it spreads.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

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

Propagating it: 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.

Best place to grow: Ground Cover;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. novae-zelandiae. A. sanguisorbae.