Wanted - Luzuriaga parviflora (New Zealand Native) Seeds

[mpetrich]

Hello - I embarked on a search for Luzuriaga parviflora without fully appreciating how elusive this species is!  I am growing L. radicans, L. marginata, and L. polyphyllum, but won't have seeds for exchange for a couple of years, most likely.  I am delighted to reimburse postage.  Anyone with fruit, seeds, or information about how to get them, please let me know. I am grateful for any and all assistance in this quest.  In New Zealand, the fruit should be ripening just about now...

Regards
Matthew Petrich
400 Liberty Street #2
San Francisco, CA  94114
USA

[Maggi Young]

Welcome, Matthew!
This is a plant that I do not think has ever been mentioned (by this name or by any of its synonyms)
by any of our NZ  members or anyone else in the Forum. 

That's not to say no-one knows a source - good luck !

[mpetrich]

Thank you! I know it is out there, neither endangered nor rare.  I actually saw the fruit once, but had no idea I would regret not picking it!  Luzuriaga parviflora is slow to germinate, and slow to get going which is probably why it isn't all that common in the trade.  I have seen this referred to as Lantern Berry and Puwatawata.  I think the old latin names (Calyxene) are out of vogue now.  Someone is hiking in a NZ forest right now, passing a plant laden with fruit...I just know it!

[jandals]

If I see any I will send them on . Wish I was hiking in the forest right now .

[Jeffnz]

I have checked the seed list for the major NZ native seed suppliers and none list the species you are after so you may have to rely on a dedicated tramper with an interest in our natve flora to collect seeds.
Jeff

[mpetrich]

Thank you for checking the NZ suppliers.  I truly appreciate your assistance.  It will take a determined tramper to bring these out of the wild.  Such a wonderful treasure hunt! If I could get there and do it myself, I would.  Alas, work...Ill send to anyone who collects seeds, a picture of me in a dress!  Eating a bug!  Kissing a dog!