Botanical name:

Notothlaspi rosulatum

Common name(s):

Penwiper

About:

This species presents a greater challenge to grow compared to N. australe and requires optimal drainage to avoid rot. It forms rosettes of grey leaves that seamlessly blend into its natural scree-slope habitat. Flowering takes place from spring to summer, with plants being monocarpic, meaning they only flower once before dying. The strongly fragrant creamy white flowers are borne on short stems. Known as Penwipers—with the name arising from early settlers who noted a similarity to a cloth used for wiping pen nibs—this species is located in subalpine to high-alpine regions east of the main divide, stretching from Nelson and Marlborough to northern Otago. The best success is achieved when cultivated under the specific conditions found in an alpine house.

Natural habitat:

Alpine areas on mobile screes of fine greywacke stones at an elevation of 615 to 1930m

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Island east of the main divide, from Nelson and Marlborough to northern Otago

Height: 25cm

Flowering: 

November – January with a white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

December - April

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Alpine plantings

How to grow:

Difficult. These  are plants for the alpine specialist and are hard to obtain. Propagation by seed.