mats the south island alpine scree

Size
Height: 2-5 cm, Spread: up to 30 cm
Lifespan
Perennial
Diet
Photosynthetic. Obtains nutrients from thin rocky alpine soils.
Habitat
Alpine and subalpine areas. Grows on rocky slopes, scree, and damp soils. Prefers well-drained sites with consistent moisture.
Range
Endemic to New Zealand. Found in alpine and subalpine areas of the South Island, from Nelson to Southland.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Climate change is the primary threat. Alpine habitats are warming. Plants are being pushed to higher elevations.
Population
Found in alpine areas of the South Island. Locally common. Not threatened.
Conservation Status
data_deficient
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
native ground cover, safe to handle
Conservation Note
Endemic alpine herb; data insufficient for full threat classification.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
Ourisia serpyllifolia has no recognised Māori name. The alpine zone was not heavily used by Māori. This small creeping plant is part of the high mountain ecosystem. Its delicate flowers would have been noticed.
It is not fragile. Small trailing with delicate white flowers. Surprisingly tough for something that looks so delicate. Ourisia serpyllifolia creeping ourisia spreads across rocky alpine slopes hugging the ground. The leaves are small round bright green. The flowers are white tubular with five spreading lobes. They look like tiny trumpets. The leaves are opposite paired along the creeping stems. They are glossy almost waxy. The stems root at nodes spreading slowly. The flowers appear in summer held just above the leaves. Ourisia serpyllifolia grows on rocky slopes in scree on damp soils. It likes moisture. It likes sun. It tolerates cold. The name serpyllifolia means thyme-leaved. The leaves resemble those of creeping thyme. The species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found only in the South Island mountains. In the alpine zone creeping ourisia grows in rock crevices and on damp ledges. It is not aggressive. It fills gaps. Ourisia serpyllifolia is not threatened. It is common in suitable habitat. But alpine areas are threatened by climate change. This creeping ourisia is a reminder. The high mountains have delicate flowers. Small. White. Surprisingly tough.