They must breed hungry sheep in New Zealand; the ability to graze over the hard spears of Aciphylla subflabellata requires determination. The plant was observed growing in grazed fields on South Island at 516m by father and son team; Barry and Robert Unwin during a plant collecting trip in 2005.

The plant has an open growth habit composed of multitudes of spine ended leaves. Set almost spiral fashion. This winter they have developed a definite brown hue. Benefiting from a free draining root zone these are fast establishing members of the Umbelliferae family.

Aciphylla subflabellata. Photo by Tony Garn

Aciphylla subflabellata

Aciphylla subflabellata. Photo by Tony Garn

Aciphylla subflabellata