Kirkophytum lyallii
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Genus
- Kirkophytum
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.15 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Edible uses
Leaves - cooked[1].
- Plant part
- Leaves
Environment
- Range
- New Zealand.
- Habitat
- Only found on the Titi Islands just off Stewart Island[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring could be worth trying.
Cultivation
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, but judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. We have no idea what its cultivation requirements might be. The flowers can be monoecious or hermaphrodite.
References
Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.
Allan. H. H. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington. 1961-00-00