Botanical name:

Anisotome latifolia

Common name(s):

Campbell Island Carrot

About:

A rather rare native of the Auckland and Campbell Islands, this plant grows up to 1m tall in the wild, with flowering stems that can be even taller. Its large, pinnately divided leaves are leathery, shiny, and yellowish-green. In early summer, it produces flower heads in shades of pink to pinkish-red, with the colour being more intense on male plants. Although it is a stunning species, it is difficult to obtain and does not thrive in cultivation. Best suited to cooler areas, it requires a cool, shady site with deep, well-drained, gritty soil for any chance of success. This plant is susceptible to aphid infestations and prone to root rot.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane on peaty ground amongst boulders, tussocks and other mega-herbs, more rarely under scrub and low forest. Most abundant at lower altitudes.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Salt, Coastal, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Auckland and Campbell Islands.

Height: 1m

Flowering:

October - February with pink to pinkish red flowers

Fruiting:

January - March

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Easy from grown from fresh seed. They tend to resent hot, humid weather and prone to collapse under such conditions. A beautiful plant that deserves to be more widely cultivated than it currently is.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.