Aciphylla colensoi is a species of Aciphylla, commonly known as giant speargrass, Spaniard, or by its Māori-language name taramea. Individual plants may be up to 90 cm (35 in) in diameter and up to 1 metre (39 in) high when in flower, and consist of sharp spines, all pointing out from the centre. The leaflets are thick, and have rough margins and red-orange midribs. Yellow flowers may also be present, located on long, narrow, and strong stems. A. colensoi is endemic and can be found in both main islands of New Zealand, typically in altitudes from 900 to 1,500 m (3,000 to 4,900 ft).
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Giant speargrass being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Aciphylla scott-thomsonii
- Aciphylla aurea
- Aciphylla glaucescens
- Aciphylla ferox
- Aciphylla takahea
- Aciphylla latipinna
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Order
- Apiales
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Genus
- Aciphylla
- Species
- Aciphylla colensoi
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