Botanical name:

Aciphylla hookeri

Common name(s):

About:

This low-growing species forms loose clumps 10-15cm tall, with dark green, arching leaves and sturdy flowering stems up to 30cm, bearing long, narrow flower-heads which bloom over the summer months. A. hookeri is found in localised areas of northwestern Nelson and northern Westland. Best suited to rock gardens, it thrives in moist yet well-drained soil.

Natural habitat:

Low-alpine (900-1400m) snow tussock herb-fields.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Island, North-west Nelson to Aurthur’s Pass mostly on western side.

Height: 30cm

Flowering:

December – February (-March) with a yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January – April

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.