Botanical name:

Haastia pulvinaris 

Common name(s):

Vegetable sheep

About:

Found growing in the breathtaking high-alpine areas of Marlborough and Nelson, this remarkable species forms hard, buff-coloured cushions that can expand impressively to reach widths of up to 2 m across. The small yellow flower-heads are subtly sunken within the branches, allowing them to remain largely inconspicuous to the casual observer.

Natural habitat: 

Subalpine and alpine fell-field and rocks among screes.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

 New Zealand’s South Island from Nelson / Marlborough to Canterbury, east of the main divide.

Height: Up to 1m

Flowering:  

November – January with a coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

December – February

Uses: 

Riparian plantings

How to grow:

They are high-alpine plants and are extremely difficult to cultivate, even for the alpine enthusiast. Should not be removed from the wild.