Aciphylla dissecta

Botanical name: Aciphylla dissecta

Common name(s): Dissected Speargrass

Plant facts:

A compact alpine speargrass with finely divided, feathery foliage forming dense spiny tufts. This hardy mountain species is endemic to the Tararua Ranges and produces clusters of white flowers on thick upright stems.

Natural habitat:

Occurs in low alpine snow tussock grasslands and herbfields, often hidden amongst tussocks when not in flower.

Growing environment:

Frost, Wind, Sun & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Endemic to the North Island of New Zealand, confined to the Tararua Ranges.

Height:

Approximately 30–40 cm tall when flowering

Flowering:

Mainly November – January
Produces clusters of white flowers on stout grooved stems.

Fruiting:

January – March

Uses:

• Alpine and scree garden specimen
• Specialist native alpine collections
• Structural foliage feature for rock gardens

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A robust tufted alpine herb forming dense solitary rosettes.

Leaves:
Leaves are dark green, stiff, and highly divided into fine spiny segments, creating a feathery appearance. The foliage is leathery and sharply pointed.

Flowers:
White flower clusters are carried on thick green flowering stems rising above the foliage.

Fruit:
Produces winged dry fruits adapted for wind dispersal in exposed alpine habitats.

How to grow:

Best suited to full sun and sharply drained alpine soils. Ideal for rock gardens and exposed cool-climate plantings. Requires good airflow and dislikes humid or waterlogged conditions.