Brachyglottis greyi

The Tales & The Botany:

The family is native to New Zealand, the wild species grows on cliffs and rocky outcrops, from the coast to inland river gorges in the southern part of the North Island.

This exposure has allowed them to develop a resistance to salty water, making them resistant to areas where the salinity in the air is particularly elevated.

Oceanic climate? Coastal terrace? Blistering summer heat? Brachyglottis will thrive.

It used to be classified in the family Senecio – due to the softness of its leaves? – but has found stability among the Brachyglottis.

🌸 Floral Morphology

Brachyglottis is a genus of shrubs and small perennials from New Zealand and nearby islands.

Most species produce corymbs or panicles of small, bright yellow, daisy-like flower heads. Each capitulum typically bears numerous golden ray florets surrounding a dense disk of tubular florets, all on slender peduncles.

Leaves are alternate, often elliptic to oblong, with a tomentose (silvery or felted) underside and a glossy green upper surface.

🌱 Reproductive Biology

Flowers are bisexual and predominantly protandrous, encouraging cross-pollination. Insects — especially bees and small flies — visit for nectar and pollen.

Seeds are small achenes with a pappus of fine hairs, aiding wind dispersal (anemochory).

🌍 Ecology & Adaptations

Native to coastal and montane habitats in New Zealand, Brachyglottis tolerates strong winds, poor soils, and salt spray.

The silvery undersides of the leaves reflect light and reduce water loss.

Several species exhibit rapid re-sprouting after cutting or grazing, an adaptation to disturbed environments.