Macquarie Island Cabbage, Punui
Stilbocarpa polaris
Family: Araliaceae
What it is like
A herbaceous plant. It grows 30-40 cm high and spreads 50-120 cm wide. It has long roots. It spreads by rhizomes and forms clumps. The leaves are thick and leathery. They have lobes. The leaves have deep veins. The flowers are yellow and in dense clusters.
There are 3 Stilbocarpa species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It prefers cool, moist conditions. It needs a deep, moist, humus rich soil. It suits hardiness zones 7-9. Macquarie Island, Hobart Botanical gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Antarctic, Australia, Macquarie Island (country/location of origin), New Zealand, Tasmania
How it is used for food
The roots are sweet.
Edible parts
Leaves, roots
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seed or division.
It grows vigorously.