About Aciphylla colensoi Hook.fil.
Aciphylla colensoi Hook.fil. is a species in the genus Aciphylla. It is commonly called giant speargrass, Spaniard, and is known as taramea in the Māori language. When in flower, individual plants can reach up to 1 metre (39 inches) in height and up to 90 cm (35 inches) in diameter. The plant is made up of sharp spines that all point outward from its center. Its leaflets are thick, have rough margins, and feature red-orange midribs. When flowering, it produces yellow flowers that grow on long, narrow, strong stems. This species is endemic to New Zealand, occurring on both of the country's main islands. Its range extends from south of Mount Hikurangi through to central Canterbury. It typically grows at altitudes between 900 and 1,500 m (3,000 to 4,900 ft), in subalpine to low alpine areas. It is most often found in moist conditions, growing in areas with a mix of snow tussock scrub, grassland, and herbfields.
