Round-leaved Selliera Selliera rotundifolia

Key Features

• A creeping, mat-forming herb with buried, white stems and thick, rounded, shiny leaves that are held close to the ground surface. Flowers are borne on short stalks and are asymmetric, forming a ‘half star’ with five spreading petals united at the base. These flowers produce small green fruits.

Distribution and Habitat

• Lower western coast of the North Island from Patea to Paekakariki. Selliera rotundifolia is restricted to sand plains in coastal sand dune habitat.

Threats

• Habitat modification and loss, especially due to afforestation.
• Competition from invasive weeds (e.g. pampas grass).
• Damage from off-road vehicles.

Management Opportunities

• Survey for new locations.
• Mark known sites.
• Protection of habitat.
• Avoid afforestation of known sites.

Monitoring Options

• Check existing populations annually.
• Report new locations to DOC and NZPCN.

Further Information and Support

• New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (NZPCN). http://www.nzpcn.org.nz
• Weed management - Department of Conservation, Regional Councils
• References
  • Dopson, S.R.; de Lange, P.J.; Ogle, C.C.; Rance, B.D.; Courtney, S. & Molloy, J. (1999). The conservation requirements of New Zealand’s nationally threatened vascular plants. Threatened Species Occasional Publication 13. Department of Conservation, Wellington.
  • Heenan, P.B. (1997). Selliera rotundifolia (Goodeniaceae), a new, round-leaved, species from New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany 35: 133-138.