Aciphylla aurea Taramea

Drainage: Very Dry Well Drained Growth: Medium Height Range: 1 Site Conditions: Exposed Frost Tolerant Windy Spread Range: 1 Sunlight: Full Sun Features: Alpine Attractive to Birds Attractive to insects Evergreen Category: Herbaceous Tags: dryland, taonga

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Aciphylla aurea forms dense tufts of slender leaves, which are viciously sharp. Male and female flowers are on separate plants, but both are striking, usually off white or golden yellow, and with the tall spike also covered in vicious spines. Aciphylla aurea is a mid-sized species with golden leaves. When it flowers in November-December, it sends up an armoured spike with a head of many small white flowers. A showy addition to rock gardens; an architectural plant that can be placed to keep unwelcome visitors at bay.

The plant is endemic to New Zealand and is found mainly throughout the east coast of South Island in mountainous (alpine) habitats, in well-drained soils including habitats like rocky outc...