Wild Spaniard, Colenso's spaniard
Aciphylla colensoi
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 grows naturally in New Zealand in mountain and sub-alpine altitudes in North and South Islands between latitudes 38° and 43° 30' south. It prefers a well drained gritty soil. It does best where damp air is common. Once established they can stand temperatures down to -10°C. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, New Zealand (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The root is cooked and eaten. It yields a gum used as a chewing gum.
Edible parts
Gum, leaves, root
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. Seed are slow to germinate. They can be transplanted when small.
Its other names
Local names
Speargrass, Taramea