Botanical name:

Brachyglottis elaeagnifolia

Common name(s):

About:

A leathery, bushy, and moderately small subalpine tree thrives in its natural habitat. The leaves are distinctive, being leathery, oval-shaped, and dark green on the top, while a fuzzy and brown texture characterises the underside. The twigs exhibit a furry and grooved appearance, adding to the tree's unique features. The bark consists of loose, thin flakes that peel away easily. During the flowering season, the tree produces clusters of delicate blooms, each featuring a white, fur-covered body with a striking yellowish-orange tip, adorning the tips of the twigs in a beautiful display.

Natural habitat:

Upper montane forest and scrub-lands.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South and Stewart Islands. Widespread in the North Island mountains, including Mount Taranaki. In the South Island mostly found in mountainous areas north and west of the main divide.

Height: 3 - 5m

Flowering: 

December-February with a  white to yellowish orange coloured flower/s

Fruiting:
December-February

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Forests

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed or semi hardwood cuttings.

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