Aciphylla similis

Botanical name: Aciphylla similis

Common name(s): Speargrass, Taramea

Plant facts:

A robust alpine speargrass forming clustered rosettes of stiff yellow-green foliage. This species produces broad rounded flower heads and thrives in exposed mountain grasslands and alpine hollows.

Natural habitat:

Open subalpine and alpine grasslands, tussocklands, ablation hollows, and stony well-drained mountain soils.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Endemic to the South Island of New Zealand, from Lewis Pass south to the Two Thumb Range, including parts of Westland.

Height:

Foliage up to 23 cm tall, flowering stems reaching approximately 40 cm tall

Flowering:

November – February with cream to pale yellow flowers

Fruiting:

December – April

Uses:

• Alpine garden feature
• Rock and scree gardens
• Tussockland restoration plantings
• Specialist native collections
• Structural alpine foliage plant

Appearance:

Growth habit:
Forms clustered rosettes in groups, creating compact tussock-like clumps.

Leaves:
Leaves are leathery, yellow-green, and divided into 6–7 pairs of narrow pointed leaflets arranged mostly in one plane. Compared to A. monroi, the leaves are larger, flatter, and brighter in colour.

Flower stems:
Produces upright broad inflorescences with multiple compound umbels arranged in whorls. Flower heads are cream to pale yellow and carried above the foliage on sturdy stems.

Fruit:
Forms pale brown winged fruits adapted for wind dispersal in exposed alpine habitats.

How to grow:

Best grown in full sun with very free-draining soil. Performs well in alpine houses, scree gardens, and cool dry climates. Requires cold winter conditions for strong flowering and dislikes warm humid environments. Suitable for rocky or gravelly mountain-style plantings.