Aciphylla aurea

Aciphylla aurea photographed at Logan Botanic Garden, Stranraer, Scotland, UK

Aciphylla aurea is a striking plant for the border or rockery, and can grow 40 in (1 m) in diameter. It prefers an open sunny position with a deep well-drained soil, as it has a long taproot. Mature plants may suddenly die, this is due to fungal infections. The yellow-green, branched leaves are up to 28 in (70 cm) long, and can give you a painful stab. The yellow flowers occur in a large spike in summer.

In New Zealand its common name is golden Spaniard. Aciphyllas are members of the carrot family, Apiaceae.

Hebes Y  NZ Plants A  NZ Plants B

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