Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not (Kopakopa)

The Chatham Islands Forget-me-not (Myosotidium hortensia) is a rare and unique plant species endemic to the Chatham Islands. Characterised by its striking, bright blue flowers, the plant has become an important symbol of New Zealand’s unique biodiversity. As a native species, it plays a critical role in the natural ecosystems of the Chatham Islands, where it thrives in coastal grasslands, scrublands and open, rocky outcrops.

Chatham Island Forget-me-not can form clumps over a metre in diameter producing stem that bearing huge glossy leaves branch from a stout, cylindrical root-stock. The pale blue, rarely white, flowers occur mainly from September to October with separate male and female flowers occurring on the same plant. The seeds develop in dark, leathery capsules and are like those of sunflowers ripening from October to April. Mild frost tolerance, prefers a sheltered position.

The Chatham Islands Forget-me-not is an example of New Zealand’s diverse flora, with distinct adaptations to the island’s harsh, exposed environments. It typically grows in coastal areas with free-draining soils, often found in the cracks of rocky outcrops or alongside coastal shrub-land. Its vibrant flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including insects and native birds, contributing to the region’s ecological balance.

The conservation status is “nationally vulnerable” and the Chatham Islands Forget-me-not faces significant threats from habitat loss, invasive species and climate change. Due to its vulnerability, it has become a priority for conservation efforts in New Zealand. The plant is actively protected with conservation programs focusing on habitat restoration, the removal of invasive species and seed banking to ensure its survival.

Germination Capacity: Seed has been sustainably foraged and has not undergone commercial seed cleaning or grading. Natives can be erratic germinators and naturally low in germination capacity. Check expected germination rate under Product Information.