From the beautiful Celmisia species to the delicately scented tree daisies, there is a species to suit every garden.
Not common in cultivation, but nonetheless one of my favourites, is Olearia chathamica or keketerehe, endemic to the Chatham Islands.
This plant is a shrub or small tree with quite a rounded habit, although in cultivation it may sprawl a bit more without the extreme weather conditions of its natural environment.
On the Chathams this Olearia is found on the southern tablelands, Pitt, Mangere and South East Islands.
It grows on rocky spurs and steep coastal cliffs as well as in open forest that has developed on deep peat.
It is also occasionally found in sphagnum bogs or lake-shore scarps and survives best in areas inaccessible to stock.
In its natural habitat this shrubby daisy will flower from October to March.
However, the specimen in the Dunedin Botanic Garden's native plant collection is flowering now.
• When not in flower this plant is still a handsome specimen, with large leathery leaves that have toothed margins, a glossy green upper surface and soft, white undersides.
• The flowers are quite large and showy with purple centres.
• Olearia chathamica will grow in deep peaty soils with good moisture levels. It requires little care after establishment.
• Threatened in its natural habitat by browsing animals (domestic and feral) and land clearance for farming.
See it in the New Zealand native plant collection in the upper botanic garden, behind the alpine scree garden.
- Shirley Stuart is curator of the native plant collection at Dunedin Botanic Garden.
