Aciphylla Hectorii Andkirkii

This unusual seed collection appears to combine the closely related New Zealand alpines Aciphylla hectorii and A. kirkii. Both form compact, rigid rosettes of sharply pointed leaves and produce short summer flower stems, but seedlings may vary in leaf width, bract colour and overall stature. A. hectorii favours rock crevices in montane and subalpine country, while A. kirkii is notable for bold orange bracts around cream or dark flower clusters. The result should be a fascinating, variable group for collectors of spiny, architectural alpine plants.