tangles across the rocky riverbeds

Size
Height: 5-10 cm, Spread: up to 1 m
Lifespan
Perennial
Diet
Photosynthetic. Obtains nutrients from well-drained soils. Tolerates poor soils and drought.
Habitat
Alpine, subalpine, and lowland areas. Grows on rocky slopes, scree, riverbeds, and open grasslands. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun.
Range
Endemic to New Zealand. Found throughout the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island, from sea level to alpine zone.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
No significant threats. May be outcompeted by exotic grasses in some lowland areas.
Population
Common throughout New Zealand. Not threatened. Forms dense mats in suitable habitat.
Conservation Status
data_deficient
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
native ground cover, safe to handle
Conservation Note
Endemic herb; data insufficient for full threat classification.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
Pōhuehue is the Māori name for Muehlenbeckia species. The creeping forms were known for their sprawling habit. The plant was used for its medicinal properties. It grows in alpine and lowland areas places of significance for Māori.
The proper ground-hugger version of its more chaotic relatives. Muehlenbeckia axillaris creeping pōhuehue stays low to the ground forming a tight mat of small dark green leaves. Unlike its cousin Muehlenbeckia complexa (which climbs over fences and swallows gardens) this one behaves. It creeps. It does not climb. The leaves are small round dark green with a leathery texture. The stems are wiry brown creeping along the ground and rooting at nodes. The flowers are small greenish-white inconspicuous. The fruit is a small white fleshy drupe containing a single seed. Birds eat the fruit. The seeds spread. Muehlenbeckia axillaris grows in alpine subalpine and lowland areas. It is found on rocky slopes scree riverbeds and open grasslands. It tolerates poor soils. It tolerates drought. It tolerates cold. It is a tough plant. The name axillaris means growing from the axils referring to the position of the flowers. The plant flowers from the leaf axils. Pōhuehue is the Māori name for the genus Muehlenbeckia. The creeping species were known for their sprawling habit. The plant was used for medicine. In gardens creeping pōhuehue is valued as a ground cover for dry sunny areas. It grows between pavers. It covers slopes. It fills gaps. It does not climb. The plant is endemic to New Zealand. It is found only here. It belongs in the mountains. Creeping pōhuehue is not threatened. It is common in suitable habitat. It is adaptable. The fruit is a food source for native birds. The leaves provide cover for small insects. The plant is part of the ecosystem. Muehlenbeckia axillaris is a reminder. Not all Muehlenbeckias are chaos. Some are well-behaved. Some stay low.