Botanical name:

Aciphylla colensoi

Common name(s):

Giant speargrass, taramea

About:

A large Aciphylla species with flowering stems reaching over 2m in the wild, though typically shorter in cultivation. Its bluish-green leaves feature a distinct orange midrib and sharply serrated margins. Blooming from early summer, the sweetly scented flowers are accompanied by spiny bracts, also highlighted with orange midribs. Native to montane regions, it is found from Mt. Hikurangi in the North Island to Canterbury in the South Island.

Natural habitat:

Montane to low-alpine (900-1500m) grassland and shrub-land.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Islands from Mt Hikurangi south to mid-Canterbury.

Height: 2m

Flowering:

December – February with a yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

February - May

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Propagation is usually by seed, although cuttings can be taken from some smaller species.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.