Leptinella dioica or shore cotula is endemic to the North, South and Stewart Islands, but is not known to be found in Northland or Fiordland.  It is found in coastal and inland areas from sea-level up to 1000m a.s.l.. In the northern part of its range usually on the margins of saltmarshes but further south extending well inland in seepages and permanently open, damp turfs. It is a dioecious or monoecious, creeping, somewhat fleshy perennial herb of usually wet coastal habitats. It has rhizomes at or near soil surface, and green, dark green to purple-green leaves, that form a prostrate patch. An excellent ground cover and ideal as a lawn alternative in soils that are seasonally damp, or somewhat poorly drained. Highly variable, and the numerous wild forms could provide an excellent source for future cultivar selections.