Botanical name:

Pleurophyllum criniferum

Common name(s):

Great emperor daisy

About:

The great emperor daisy is a notable perennial herbaceous plant characterised by its significant root stock that supports the growth of very large, thin, and distinctly ribbed leaves. Due to the unusual and impressive size of these leaves, such plants are commonly and affectionately referred to as megaherbs. The genus Pleurophyllum includes three species that are endemic to the subantarctic islands, highlighting their unique adaptation to this specific and often harsh environment.
 

Natural habitat:

Coastal and lower montane peaty herb-fields

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealands subantarctic Auckland, Campbell and Antipodes Islands

Height: 1m

Flowering: 

December – February with a purplish – brown coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

January – May

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food.

How to grow:
Difficult due to the specific growing conditions required. Should not be removed from the wild

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