Elatostema rugosum
| Elatostema rugosum | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Genus: | Elatostema |
| Species: | E. rugosum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Elatostema rugosum A.Cunn.
| |
Elatostema rugosum, commonly known as parataniwha or New Zealand begonia, is a herbaceous ground cover plant that is endemic to New Zealand.
Elatostema rugosum grows up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) high in wet, shaded places such as gullies and streamsides. It has long green-purple leaves with prominent veins and a saw-like edge.[1]
The common name parataniwha, roughly translates to "home of the taniwha" and suggests the presence of a taniwha, a powerful supernatural being in Māori mythology. [2]
References[edit]
- ^ "Elatostema rugosum (Parataniwha)". Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
- ^ "Is there a taniwha in your garden? | Horticulture Blog | Auckland Zoo".