Re: Astelias Encore

Tim Longville wrote:
> 
> But for a last time, I promise. Trying to write out what I now do
> (and, more signifcantly, don't!) know about these critters, I suddenly
> realised that there are three species I've heard of (two of them even
> available in the UK) about which I know nothing. Can anyone help? The
> two available here are A. grandis and A. graminifolia. The one which
> isn't but which a UK friend swears exists is A. glauca.
> 
Hi Tim
Astelia grandis (Swamp Astelia) "An imposing species similar to A
fragrans. Wide olive-green leaves with a slivery sheen beneath and
reddish-purple midribs. The leaves are more erect and less tapered than
A fragrans and the clump can be up to 2m high.

..Swampy ground from lowland to montane altitudes throughout the North
Island and to southern Canterbury. Preferring damp soil, it can
withstand permanently wet feet, but is also quite happy in average
conditions in sun or shade"

Astelia graminifolia. According to the NZ flora this is an invalid
synonym for 
Collospermum microspermum.

Colleospermums are closely related to Astelia and there are four
species, one each in Fiji and Samoa and two endemic in NZ

Both NZ species (CC hastatum and microspermum) are very similar, but C
microspermum has the narrower leaves.

They are usually epiphytic on forest trees and the leaves may be up to
1.7 m long. C hastatum has small yellow flowers and berries which are
red when ripe  C.microspermum has colourless berres. Coastal and lowland
forests throughtout North Island and the upper half of South Island, C
microspermum preferring the slightly higher altitudes.
Can be bound to a tree with moist moss or grown in well-drained soil,
preferably in shade or semi-shade. Slow growing.

Judging by their distribution both species could be fairly hardy, C
microspermum probably marginally tougher..

_If_ A glauca is a good species it does no occur in NZ.

Moira

-- 
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata (near Wellington, capital city of New Zealand)
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