Aciphylla colensoi aka Colenso's Spaniard

Aciphylla colensoi is an evergreen perennial in the carrot family, Apiaceae. Its common names include Colenso's Spaniard and wild Spaniard. It comes from New Zealand's North and South Islands. There, it grows in mountain and subalpine sites. Its recorded range lies between 38° and 43°30' south. Kew places it in a subalpine or subarctic climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant reaches about 3 feet (0.9 metres) tall. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. Plants For A Future lists it for use in cultivated beds. Give it full sun, since it does not grow in shade. Its main soil need is free drainage, with plenty of grit. Sandy and loamy soils suit it. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. The soil can be dry or moist. Damp air suits it, but the roots still need good drainage.

Plants For A Future reports hardiness to about 14°F (−10°C). It also lists USDA zones 6–9. The source records successful outdoor growth in a mild Northern Irish garden. This gives some evidence of garden use beyond its native range. The need for sharp drainage remains central to its care. Choose the planting site with both sun and drainage in mind.

Male and female flowers usually grow on separate plants. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the species cannot fertilise itself. Grow both sexes when seed is the aim. Female plants may sometimes bear a few male flowers. Sow fresh seed in a greenhouse once it ripens. Sow stored seed in late winter or early spring. Germination may take a long time. Move seedlings into separate pots when large enough to handle. Keep them in the greenhouse through at least their first winter. Plant out after frost risk passes, in late spring or early summer.

Plants For A Future gives the plant a modest food-use rating. It lists leaves, roots, and shoots as edible parts. The root is aromatic and eaten cooked. The plant also yields resin used as chewing gum. The source gives no further preparation details for shoots. It records no known medicinal use and no known hazards. That does not establish safety for every person or pet. It lists no weed potential.