Shore Astelia
Looks like grass, but is related to asparagus.
Shore Astelia is found naturally in coastal and lowland forests on the North Island of New Zealand, but can be found in many gardens around the world due to its high tolerance for salt and wind.
At first glance the plant looks like grass, but it is more closely related to asparagus. It may sound strange, but the relationship shows if you compare the floral details.
The Latin name “astelia” comes from Greek, where a means without, and stelia means stem, and hints that the plant never forms a stem.
Facts:
- Greenhouse location: Not on display at the moment
- Danish name: Kyst-astelia
- Latin name: Astelia banksii
- Family: Asteliaceae
- Natural habitat: New Zealand