Russell Lupin. Lake Tekapo.NZ. Bernard Spragg photography

Russell lupins.The many-coloured Russell lupins (.Lupinus polyphyllus). are a familiar feature of the roadsides in the.Upper Waitaki Basin. They were first introduced to New Zealand about 1930 by settlers of the.Mackenzie Basin..Russell lupins grow each spring from roots that survive the wint.er, or from geminating seed. They grow.well in damp, infertile, gravel soils and are able to tolerate soils low in nutrients – conditions most other.plants find unsuitable. They can also withstand hot, dry winds and hard frosts. The gravel roadsides.and braided riverbeds are therefore ideal lupin habitat