The Wiggy-wig bush - orphan or geriatric? Muehlenbeckia astonii (Polygonaceae) in North Canterbury and Marlborough.

Abstract

One of the very conspicuous elements of the family Polygonaceae in New Zealand is the genus Muehlenbeckia. Most are non-descript scramblers or even weeds, the exception being M. astonii, or shrubby tororaro which is a medium to large-sized shrub found in four discrete areas: coastal Wellington, northeastern Marlborough, north Canterbury and Kaitorete Spit just south of Christchurch.