About Aciphylla squarrosa J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
Aciphylla squarrosa J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. is a woody perennial herb that forms dense, robust tussocks with a central flowering stem. Its basal leaves are bluish-grey, hairless with finely toothed margins, and divide three times to form long, pointed spikes. The species can grow up to 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) tall. It produces symmetric 2–4 mm (0.079–0.157 in) green or yellow flowers between October and December, and 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) dry fruits between November and March. This species occurs on New Zealand's North and South Islands, from Mount Hikurangi to the Kaikoura Ranges, and also grows on some offshore islands including Mana Island. It can be found in habitats ranging from coastal to montane areas. Aciphylla squarrosa serves as the host plant for Lyperobius huttoni, the Speargrass Weevil.
