Botanical name:

Azorella polaris (Stilbocarpa polaris)

Common name(s):

Macquarie Island cabbage

About:

A remarkable plant found on the subantarctic islands, featuring large, hairy, kidney-shaped leaves that can reach up to 30cm in width, and growing up to 1m tall in its natural habitat. During the summer, it produces broad umbels of small yellowish-green flowers. To thrive, this plant requires well-drained soil to avoid rhizome rot and benefits from a cool climate with some shade for optimal growth. Historically, A. polaris served as a food source and a scurvy preventative for early explorers, sealers, and castaways.

Natural habitat:

Swampy lowland to subalpine conditions in banks, over rocks or in dense vegetation.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s subantarctic (Auckland & Campbell) Islands and to Australia’s Macquarie Island.

Height: 1m

Flowering:

October - November with a violet – purple to white coloured flower/s

Fruiting: February - March

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Propagation is by seed or division. Requires a cooler climate to reach its full potential.

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