- Source: Aciphylla ferox
Aciphylla ferox, also called fierce speargrass or taramea, is a species of Aciphylla native to New Zealand.
Description
This large perennial herb forms stout tussocks up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) high.
It can be found both as single plant or as part of a small group. Its leaves are 40 cm (16 in) long.
The male plant produces stout flowering stems, with yellow flowers appearing from November through to January or February. It fruits from January to March.
Distribution
It is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. It is found between Nelson and North Canterbury.
It grows in low alpine areas, and is common in subalpine scrub, areas of mixed snow tussock and scrub, grasslands, and herbfields.
Conservation
As of 2023, its conservation status was Not Threatened.