Muehlenbeckia astonii (shrubby tororaro) is an endemic New Zealand shrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognised for its highly distinctive, tangled and divaricating branching structure. It typically grows to around 1–3 metres tall and wide, forming a dense, wiry, and sculptural habit made up of zig-zagging reddish-brown to orange branches.
The small, heart-shaped leaves are bright green above and paler underneath, appearing mainly in the warmer months, with the plant often becoming largely leafless in winter. In summer it produces small greenish-white flowers, followed by translucent white fruit with dark seeds that are attractive to birds. It is native to coastal and lowland dry shrublands of New Zealand and prefers well-drained soils, particularly sandy or loamy sites. Now classified as Nationally Endangered, it has declined due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and browsing pressure, making its conservation an important focus in native restoration and planting projects
Muehlenbeckia astonii
Botanical Name Muehlenbeckia astonii Common Name shrubby tororaro
Family Polygonaceae Type evergreen shurb Origin New Zealand Mature Height 1-3m Mature Spread 1.5-2m Sun Requirements Full sun to partial shade Soil Very adaptable, just not water logged soils Flowering small greenish white flowers Wind Tolerance high tolerant Frost Tolerance high
Drought Tolerance hardy Growth Rate moderate growth rate Maintenance low Conservation Status National endangered
