Acaena novae-zelandiae

Acaena novae-zelandiae
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Acaena
Species: A. novae-zelandiae
Binomial name
Acaena novae-zelandiae
Kirk

Acaena novae-zelandiae (bidi-bidi,[1] biddy-biddy,[2] bidgee-widgee,[3] or piri-piri-bur[4]) is an ornamental plant[5] native to New Zealand and Australia. It can also be found elsewhere as an introduced species, and is considered a noxious weed in some areas, such as Hawaii and California.[3][6] The common name bidi-bidi is a corruption of the Māori name for this plant, piripiri.[1]

Historical uses

Bidgee-widgee was used as a tea substitute by early explorers.

Characteristics

Bidgee-widgee is a prostrate herb. One plant can cover up to 4-5 square meters in favorable conditions. A burr is left after the flowers fall.

References

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