Botanical name:

Sonchus grandifolius

Common name(s):

Pūhā pārākau rahi, embergeria, Chatham Island sow thistle

About:

This visually appealing thistle-like plant can be found thriving on the sand dunes of the Chatham Islands. Its leathery leaves feature deep lobes and serrated edges. The flower heads can reach up to 4cm in diameter, showcasing numerous purplish florets and supported by stems that exceed 60cm in height. However, it is primarily cultivated for its attractive foliage. The plant requires reasonably fertile soil that maintains moisture, benefiting from some shade during part of the day. In regions with high humidity, it is susceptible to root rot, making it advisable to provide a cooler root zone or a drier environment in such instances.

Natural habitat:

Coastal. Sand dunes (usually the foredunes), also coastal cliff ledges, clay promontories and talus slopes, and on rock stacks.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Salt, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Chatham Islands. Rēkohu (Chatham), Rangihaute (Pitt), Mang’ere, Tapuaenuku, Wharekaikite (Rabbit), Hokorereoro (South East) Islands, and many of the smaller islets and rock stacks.

Height: 60cm

Flowering: 

December – February with a violet / purple or yellow coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

Late summer and autumn.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings, Pioneer Plantings & Erosion control

How to grow:

Easy grown from fresh seed. Does best in a free draining, fertile but damp soil in full sun. Dislikes humidity. Plants are often prone to dying in hot weather.

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