Raoulia eximia
Raoulia eximia, also known as vegetable sheep, is a remarkable alpine cushion plant native to New Zealand. Its dense, woolly appearance from a distance gives it its common name, as early settlers mistook clusters of these plants for sheep grazing on mountainsides. This fascinating plant forms compact, silver-white mounds that are perfectly adapted to harsh alpine conditions. native trees
Image credit: Vegetable Sheep (Raoulia eximia). Wikipedia
Scientific Name | Raoulia eximia |
---|---|
Height | 2–10 cm (0.8–4 in) tall cushions |
Spread | Up to 1 m (3 ft) or more across |
Water Needs | Very low; drought tolerant once established |
Light | Full sun; requires open, exposed sites |
Frost Tolerance | Very high; tolerates severe alpine frosts |
Salt Tolerance | Very low; not tolerant of salt or coastal exposure |
Growth Rate | Very slow |
Lifespan | Long-lived perennial (decades in suitable conditions) |
City | Suitability |
---|---|
Whangārei | Marginal |
Auckland | Marginal |
Hamilton | Marginal |
Tauranga | Marginal |
Rotorua | Marginal |
Gisborne | Marginal |
New Plymouth | Marginal |
Napier | Marginal |
Whanganui | Marginal |
Palmerston North | Marginal |
Wellington | Marginal |
Nelson | Moderate |
Christchurch | Ideal |
Dunedin | Ideal |
Invercargill | Ideal |
Requires very well-drained, rocky, or sandy soils. Avoid rich or heavy soils.
Full sun and open, exposed sites are essential for healthy growth.
Low water needs. Water only during extended droughts in cultivation.
Raoulia eximia naturally occurs in:
Raoulia eximia plays important roles in alpine ecosystems:
While currently not threatened, Raoulia eximia requires protection of its alpine habitat for long-term survival.
For successful cultivation in lowland gardens, create a raised rock garden with sharp drainage and use gravel mulch to replicate the plant's natural alpine habitat. Position where it will receive maximum light but protection from excessive summer heat.
Vegetable sheep are iconic in New Zealand’s alpine folklore and are a symbol of adaptation to extreme environments. Their unique form and survival strategy are celebrated in natural history and art.