Botanical name:

Pleurophyllum speciosum

Common name(s):

Great emperor daisy

About:

The leaves of this species are broadly oval in shape, reaching lengths of up to 60cm and widths of up to 40cm. They are notably thick, exhibit a bright green colour, and are marked with prominent, deep ribs that add to their distinctive appearance. The flower stalks can grow to impressive heights of up to 1m and bear large and vibrant heads of white to pinkish daisies, which feature striking purple disks at their centres.

Natural habitat:

Coastal and montane herb-fields

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s subantarctic Auckland and Campbell Islands.

Height: 1m

Flowering: 

December – February with a purplish – pink to white 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