Celmisia coriacea
Leather-leaved Daisy, known as tikumu in Māori, is a distinctive and robust endemic New Zealand mountain daisy that forms impressive stout, woody-based clumps in irregular sward-like patches, featuring spectacular leathery lanceolate leaves measuring 160-400mm × 25-55mm with the species' most characteristic trait - a conspicuous orange stripe along the midrib on the bronze-green upper surface and densely glistening appressed silvery tomentum covering the lower surface. This remarkable alpine herb produces magnificent white daisy flowers with 160-200 white ray florets surrounding 200-250 yellow disc florets from November to February, creating stunning displays in Fiordland's montane to alpine zones from Nancy Sound to near Puysegur Point, where it thrives in wet grassland and herbfield environments, particularly near timberline where it forms large patches in boggy grass-rush communities intermixed with low scrub. With its wind-dispersed seeds and traditional cultural significance as tikumu - used by Māori for making waterproof raincapes (pōkeka), chest protectors (poho-taupa), and other protective clothing by knitting the white fluffy leaf material into flax fibers - this hardy mountain specialist makes an outstanding choice for specialized alpine gardens, cool climate rock gardens, and native plant collections where its distinctive orange-striped leaves and spectacular white flowers can create authentic New Zealand high-country displays. alpine plants
Image credit: Leather-leaved Daisy (Celmisia coriacea). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Celmisia coriacea |
|---|---|
| Height | 30-60cm (forming sward-like patches) |
| Spread | Irregular patches (colony-forming) |
| Water Needs | High (permanently moist, boggy conditions) |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade (alpine conditions) |
| Frost Tolerance | Excellent (alpine native) |
| Salt Tolerance | Poor (montane species) |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate (alpine conditions) |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Leather-leaved Daisy thrives in cool, moist alpine and montane conditions with excellent drainage. It requires specialized growing conditions that mimic its natural Fiordland alpine habitat preferences.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Poor (too warm and humid) |
| Auckland | Poor (too warm and humid) |
| Hamilton | Poor (too warm and humid) |
| Tauranga | Poor (too warm and humid) |
| Rotorua | Moderate (cooler highland) |
| Gisborne | Poor (too warm) |
| New Plymouth | Moderate (mountain proximity) |
| Napier | Poor (too warm and dry) |
| Whanganui | Moderate |
| Palmerston North | Moderate |
| Wellington | Good (cooler, windier) |
| Nelson | Good (alpine access) |
| Christchurch | Ideal (alpine conditions) |
| Dunedin | Ideal (cool, moist climate) |
| Invercargill | Ideal (Fiordland proximity) |
Leather-leaved Daisy has specific alpine soil preferences:
Alpine light conditions:
High moisture needs with excellent drainage:
Leather-leaved Daisy requires minimal maintenance:
The distinctive orange-striped leathery leaves and magnificent white flowers are the main attractions and should be preserved through minimal intervention.
The best time to plant Leather-leaved Daisy is during spring when active growth begins, though specialized alpine conditions require careful preparation and timing.
Choose a site with:
Maintain permanent moisture with excellent drainage and provide consistent shade. This Fiordland alpine specialist requires very specific conditions and patience to establish successfully in cultivation.
Growing from seed is the primary propagation method:
Division of established clumps can be attempted:
This alpine specialist requires very specific cool, moist conditions and is extremely challenging to cultivate outside its natural Fiordland habitat.
Leather-leaved Daisy (Celmisia coriacea) represents both the remarkable traditional utility of New Zealand's alpine plants and the specialized adaptations that allow survival in harsh mountain environments:
Today, Leather-leaved Daisy serves as an excellent example of New Zealand's endemic alpine diversity, representing both the traditional utility of native plants and the specialized adaptations required for survival in Fiordland's unique mountain environments.
Provide cool, consistently moist but perfectly-draining acidic conditions that replicate its natural Fiordland alpine habitat. Protect from heat, humidity, and drying conditions. This is an extremely challenging species requiring specialized alpine gardening expertise.
Leather-leaved Daisy is one of New Zealand's most challenging but rewarding alpine plants - the distinctive orange stripe down the center of each leathery leaf makes it instantly recognizable, and the massive white daisy flowers (up to 200 ray petals!) are truly spectacular. This is definitely a plant for serious alpine gardeners only. The key is understanding it comes from Fiordland's unique climate - cool, constantly moist but never waterlogged, with excellent drainage. Think "mountain bog" conditions. The traditional Māori name tikumu reflects its cultural importance - the white fluffy undersides of leaves were actually knitted into flax to make waterproof raincapes! If you can provide the right conditions, you'll have one of New Zealand's most distinctive and culturally significant mountain daisies.
Mix rosette daisies with cushion plants and tussocks to create layered, visually resilient alpine plantings.
Learn more about New Zealand's mountain flora in Alpine Plants.
Celmisia coriacea is a robust mountain daisy forming clumps of leathery, grey‑green leaves with silvery undersides. Large white daisies with golden discs are held above the foliage in summer, creating classic alpine displays.
Occurs in subalpine to alpine herbfields, tussocklands, and rocky slopes, favouring free‑draining, mineral soils with high light and cool air movement.
Leaves with reflective surfaces reduce heat load and water loss. Flowers provide nectar and pollen for alpine insects; wind aids seed movement across open slopes and screes.
Acts as a keystone rosette herb in high‑country plantings, sheltering soil and smaller herbs while adding seasonal resources for pollinators.
Plant on raised beds or scree gardens; mulch with grit to protect collars. Water sparingly in summer heat; avoid waterlogging at any time.
Remove spent flower stalks and tidy old basal leaves annually. Rejuvenate congested clumps by division in early spring, replanting into fresh, gritty soils.
Superb for alpine rock gardens, scree beds, and raised planters. Pairs with Raoulia, Chionochloa, small hebes, and hardy ferns like Necklace Fern for authentic high‑country plantings.
Generally common in suitable habitat. In restoration and translocation work, use eco‑sourced plants and protect from trampling in fragile alpine sites.
Celmisia (tikumu) hold cultural importance and today are celebrated in alpine gardens for resilience and striking foliage. Use eco‑sourced plants in restoration and avoid collecting from the wild.
