Brachyglottis repanda, commonly known as rangiora or bushman’s friend, is a semi-evergreen shrub native to the coastal and lowland forests of New Zealand. It can grow as a small tree or tall shrub, typically reaching up to 23 feet in height. Rangiora has distinctive large, leathery leaves with a soft, furry underside, which gives it its common name as the leaves were used by bushmen for toilet paper. The plant produces clusters of yellow florets arranged in panicle inflorescences, which bloom from August to October and are attractive to local pollinators.

Rangiora is valued for its ease of cultivation from seed or cuttings and its low maintenance requirements. It prefers well-drained soils, moderate watering, and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. In gardens, it is often used for its lush foliage and as a privacy screen or hedge. The plant has historical significance, as it was traditionally used by Māori for medicinal purposes, including wound healing, and the large leaves were also used as a food wrap. While rangiora is generally disease-resistant, it can be prone to root rot in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0