Botanical name:

Aciphylla ferox

Common name(s):

Fierce speargrass, taramea

About:

This Aciphylla species features narrow, sharply pointed leaves and closely resembles A. horrida, though it is smaller in size. It is native to the mountains of Nelson-Marlborough.

Natural habitat:

Low Alpine (600-1400m), often prominent in subalpine scrub, mixed snow tussock-scrub, grassland and herb-fields.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson through Marlborough to North Canterbury.

Height: 1m

Flowering:

November – January (-February) with a yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January – March

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.