Botanical name:

Chionochloa bromoides

Common name(s):

Coastal tussock, seabird tussock

About:

A coastal tussock can commonly be found thriving on the cliffs of the upper North Island. The bright green, drooping leaves of this plant can grow to an impressive length of up to 1ms long and typically measure around 1cm wide. The tips of the leaves taper elegantly to a fine point, enhancing its visual appeal. This plant prefers to be situated in a sunny position and, while it can tolerate periods of dryness, it will flourish and perform much better if the soil does not dry out excessively.

Natural habitat:

Coastal on cliff faces, bluffs, rock stacks, and in petrel scrub. Well established plants often have their bases heavily burrowed by sea birds such as diving petrels.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

North Island were virtually confined to northern offshore islands and easterly headlands from the Bay of Islands south to the Poor Knights, Chickens and Mokohinau Islands. One westerly outlier occurs at Maunganui Bluff.

Height: 70cm

Flowering:

September – December

Fruiting:

November – March

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings

How to grow:

Can be difficult. Best grown from fresh seed or division. Plants should be planted where they are to grow as they resent much root disturbance. Best in full sun, in a freely draining soil or on a stone wall. Dislikes humidity.

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