Native Flowers of New Zealand/Plate 5
One of the most beautiful species of a very beautiful genus. The numerous stiff, pointed, furrowed and wrinkled leaves, and the large Aster-like flowers, which are placed on stalks covered with shaggy white wool, give the plant a very singular and remarkable appearance. It is a native of the mountains of Canterbury and Marlborough, usually growing at altitudes of from 2500 to 4000 ft. It is particularly abundant on Arthur's Pass, on the coach road from Christchurch to Hokitika, and is there one of the chief ornaments of a varied and handsome sub-alpine vegetation. It flowers in January and February.
Professor Oliver says:—
"The plant figured differs from the typical Celmisia Monroi in its much larger leaves, and heads nearly or quite destitute of cotton."