Description
Aciphylla subflabellata forms an open cluster of narrow needle-sharp grey-green leaves up to 60 cm. In summer, yellow flowers appear on a tall stalk. This aciphylla is found in montane to subalpine areas, in tussock grassland in the drier, eastern districts of the eastern regions of the South Island, New Zealand, from North Canterbury to South Otago. Despite its sharp leaves, it is eaten by sheep! Plant in full sun. Frost, wind and drought tolerant. Aciphylla subflabellata is a very slow-growing, but beautiful architectural plant good for rock gardens or to keep out unwanted visitors.
Aciphylla species are home to the critically endangered Canterbury Knobbed Weevil (Hadramphus tuberculatus) endemic to the South Island of New Zealand and presently only found in a population of less than 100 in Burkes Pass.
