About Acaena caesiiglauca (Bitter) Bergmans
Acaena caesiiglauca (Bitter) Bergmans grows to a height of 2–4 inches, with a spread of approximately 2 feet. Its flowers are made up of reddish burrs, and its foliage has a characteristic silky bluish grey appearance. This species is widespread in the South Island of New Zealand, where it occurs most commonly east of the Southern Alps. Confirmed herbarium specimens of the species have been collected from the Nelson, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland regions. Ecologically, Acaena caesiiglauca grows in tussock grassland at elevations ranging from 600 to 1500 m. It reproduces via dispersal of its spiny hypanthia, which most commonly attach to animals in its native environment. Hypanthia may also be dispersed by wind, or through consumption by animals.
