Botanical name:

Ourisia macrocarpa

Common name(s):

Snowy mountain foxglove, mountain ourisia

About:

This species consists of two varieties. O. macrocarpa var. macrocarpa is located in the subalpine regions of Fiordland, while O. macrocarpa var. calycina is found from northwest Nelson to central Westland. Both varieties form rosettes of glossy, bright green, leathery leaves that can reach up to 10 cm in diameter; var. calycina has broadly oval leaves, whereas var. macrocarpa has leaves that are nearly heart-shaped. In summer, they produce attractive white flowers with yellow throats. These plants thrive in semi-shaded to shaded areas, preferably in deep, rich soil that is moist yet well-draining.

Natural habitat:

Shaded moist sites in subalpine to alpine areas of the western South Island.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealands western South Island from Northwest Nelson south.

Height: 70cm

Flowering: 

Summer with a white to yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Alpine plantings

How to grow:

Difficult – These are alpine plants best suited to the alpine enthusiast. Plants in cultivation can collapse and die quite suddenly & should never be removed from the wild. Propagation by seed or division.