Speargrass, Bayonet plant
Aciphylla squarrosa
Family: Apiaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
There are about 40 Aciphylla species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is found growing naturally in New Zealand from sea-level to mountain areas in the North and South Islands to latitude 41° 30' south. It requires a well drained gritty soil in full sun. It can tolerate frost down to about 10°C. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Myanmar, New Zealand (country/location of origin), SE Asia
How it is used for food
The root is cooked and eaten. The resin is chewed as a chewing gum. The young shoots and stems are eaten.
Edible parts
Gum, leaves, root
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. It is best to use fresh seed as dry seed germinates irregularly.
Its other names
Local names
Taramea