Botanical name:

Olearia pachyphylla

Common name(s):

Thick-leaved tree daisy

About:

This particular shrub tends to grow to an approximate height of about 2m and showcases large, thick leaves that are broadly oval in shape. These leaves feature wavy edges and are adorned with a fine layer of silvery or brownish tomentum on the underside. It is typically found in coastal cliff areas and on steep banks within open scrub environments in the picturesque Bay of Plenty region. To ensure its health and vitality, good drainage in the soil is absolutely essential for its growth and development.

Natural habitat:

Strictly coastal. Growing amongst low scrub on steep cliffs and along stream banks.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s northern North Island, from Coromandel Peninsula to East Cape; very uncommon in the Waikato. It was known from rock outcrops near the summit of the main range dividing Coromandel township from Whangapoua Harbour, and more recently (1992) it has been collected from bluffs near Cook’s Beach.

Height: 2m

Flowering: 

January  – April with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

March – May

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food and Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed and semi-hardwood cuttings. An attractive species for a well drained, sunny location. Plants are prone to verticillium wilt and phytophora.

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

** Seed can be slow to germinate, taking 9 – 12 months, often with a low germination rate.