Botanical name:

Aciphylla scott-thomsonii

Common name(s):

Giant Spaniard, Speargrass, taramea

About:

These striking native plants are the largest of their kind in Spain, reaching up to 4m in height with vibrant yellow flowers. Their spiked, rigid leaves grow in dense clusters resembling spears. Adaptable to a range of environments, from coastal areas to low alpine regions, they add a bold presence to home gardens and landscapes. Often planted as natural barriers, they serve as effective boundary deterrents.

Natural habitat:

Sub-alpine montane grasslands on the South Island of New Zealand where it does experience snow.

Growing environment:

Frost, sun, drought, salt resistant, wind & coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

South Island’s east coast from  Mt Cook southwards

Height: 2m

Flowering: July – September with a lemony yellow coloured flower/s

Uses:

Pioneer Plantings 

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though