Scientific Name: Acaena novae-zelandiae

Common Name: common buzzy

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Rosaceae

Form Description: Creeping herb with spreading branches that give rise to short erect flowering branches.

Flowers: Many small green or purplish flowers in dense spherical heads which dry to reddish burrs. Attach to animal fur and people’s clothing.

Fruit: Achene – prickly clusters of seed turn from green to greyish-brown when mature.

Municipality
Break O’DayBrightonBurnieCentral CoastCentral HighlandsCircular HeadClarenceDerwent ValleyDevonportDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKentishKing IslandKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSorellSouthern MidlandsTasmanWaratah-WynyardWest CoastWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine VegetationGrasslandHeathSedgeland and Wetland
Habitat Notes

Most common in the eastern mountains; abundant at all altitudes from sea level to over 1000m.

Site Tolerance

Moist, Waterlogged

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Poorly-drained, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Leaves have been used as tea substitute. Spreads by stolons and seed – usually treated as a weed.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Individual seeds are easily released when ripe. Collect by hand.

Seed Treatment Method

Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.

Seed Treatment Notes

Seed usually has good results without treatment.

Cutting & Division Information

Propagate from cuttings.