Snowball Spaniard

Botanical name: Aciphylla congesta

Common name(s): Snowball Spaniard

Plant facts:

A distinctive alpine speargrass forming dense clumps of sharp foliage and producing rounded “snowball-like” flower heads. This naturally uncommon species is well adapted to harsh, high-rainfall alpine environments of the south-western South Island.

Natural habitat:

Occurs in alpine fellfields, exposed slopes, and snow accumulation zones in high rainfall mountain environments.

Growing environment:

Frost, Wind, Cold & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Endemic to the south-western South Island of New Zealand, including south Westland, western Otago, north-western Southland, and Fiordland.

Height:

Leaf clumps up to 60 cm wide, with flowering stems extending well above the foliage

Flowering:

Produces rounded creamy-white flower heads on stout fleshy stems. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants.

Fruiting:

Produces dry seed typical of alpine Aciphylla species.

Uses:

• Alpine and scree garden specimen
• Restoration planting in alpine environments
• Architectural foliage plant for specialist collections

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A tufted alpine herb forming compact clumps of rigid spear-like foliage.

Leaves:
Leaves are stiff, narrow, and sharply pointed, forming dense defensive rosettes adapted to exposed mountain conditions.

Flowers:
Creamy-white flowers are arranged in distinctive rounded heads resembling snowballs, held above the foliage on thick stems.

How to grow:

Best grown in full sun with excellent drainage. Requires cool conditions and performs best in alpine-style gardens or exposed rockeries. Tolerates severe frost, snow, and strong winds once established.