Botanical name:

Kelleria lyalli

Common name(s):

About:

A remarkable plant that thrives in lowland to alpine regions of the southern South Island and Stewart Island. It forms a beautiful mossy cushion composed of tiny, tightly packed pale green leaves that create an enchanting visual appeal. This plant is especially suitable for an alpine house, as it requires a consistently moist yet well-drained soil, along with essential overhead protection from the heavy winter rainfall that can occur in its natural habitat.

Natural habitat:

lowland to alpine areas amongst rocky areas with overhead protection.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wetland, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s southern South Island and Stewart Island

Height:

Flowering: 

September – February with a white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Difficult. They are generally plants for the alpine enthusiast. Propagation by seed or division.

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