Thursday 27 December 2018

: Aciphylla subflabellata, kuri kuri, speargrass is endemic to the South Island in the east from south-eastern Marlborough to Southland. It is found in montane to subalpine from 300-1400 m a.s.l., usually in dry sites on alluvial terraces, gentle rolling slopes and colluvium, intermontane basins amongst short or tall tussocks and on the margins of grey scrub, sometimes on or near rock outcrops or amongst boulders. It is a stout perennial forming stout rosettes up to 40cm high and up to 75cm in diameter, it is recognised by its grey-green or brownish grey-green colour and its very slender leaflets. It has yellow flowers that occur on stout and very spiky flowering stems up to 1m tall from November to January, with seed developing from December to late January. It is widespread but generally never common, and is possibly more threatened than believed because many of its lowland habitats are extremely modified, weed infested and plants are browsed where accessible by cattle, rabbits and hares. Current herbarium evidence suggests that this species is still poorly known but that from available evidence it is naturally uncommon over large parts of its stated range. One of the easier species to cultivate, though it dislikes humidity and excessive moisture. Should be planted in a sunny, free draining situation, with a cool root run for its long tap root, and once planted do not transplant or disturb roots. Can be grown in a tub.




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