About Dracophyllum elegantissimum S.Venter
Dracophyllum elegantissimum is a single-stemmed tree that reaches a height of 5 to 14 metres (16 to 46 feet). Its branches bear flaky light brown bark, and leaves grow in concentrated tufts similar to those of plants in the Bromeliaceae family, which together form a candelabra-shaped crown. The light green leaves are leathery, measure 33 to 100 cm long by 1 to 3.2 cm wide (12.99 to 39.37 inches by 0.39 to 1.26 inches), and are sheathed in light brown sheathes that measure 22 to 58 mm by 13 to 43 mm (0.87 to 2.28 inches by 0.51 to 1.69 inches). The leaves are glabrous, have very fine teeth (with 12 to 24 teeth per 10 mm), and are curled. This species flowers from December to February, producing 600 to 1000 or more flowers on a pyramid-shaped inflorescence 19 to 32 cm (7.5 to 12.6 inches) long. Fruiting takes place from February to March, producing yellow-brown, filiform seeds that are 0.7 to 0.8 millimetres (0.028 to 0.031 inches) long. D. elegantissimum is very similar to D. traversii, but differs most clearly from D. traversii by its long, thin leaves curled at the tips. It also has smaller nectary scales and ovaries, as well as longer inflorescence bracts. It is closely related to D. latifolium, but can be distinguished by its longer inflorescence bracts, corolla lobes shorter than the corolla tubes, and smaller nectary scales and ovaries. D. elegantissimum is endemic to New Zealand, and is found only in north-west Nelson, in lowland to upper montane forests. It almost always grows on south-west to north-west facing slopes with an incline of 5 to 45 degrees.
