Story: Horticultural use of native plants

Traffic island planting

Traffic island planting

Small-leaved, highly branched shrubs are common in New Zealand. Because many will survive in windy or dry locations, they are popular for exposed spots. Tororaro (Muehlenbeckia astonii) is uncommon in nature but is grown as a garden plant. Here it is growing in a traffic island planting in Petone, near Wellington. The branches are so wiry and flexible that they supported Department of Conservation worker Rob Stone’s weight without being damaged.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Dominion Post Collection (PAColl-7327)
Reference: EP/1999/2287/29A
Photograph by Craig Simcox

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Horticultural use of native plants - The native garden', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10457/traffic-island-planting (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 24 Sep 2007