Authors:
(Syn. C. coriacea of gardens). Clumping pseudostems give rise to erect or somewhat recurved lanceolate leaves, variable, but about 40cm long with a matted pellicle above, satiny silver beneath. Flowerheads to 6cm in diameter on stout white 40cm tall stems. Montane and alpine habitats throughout South Island. The commonest and one of the most showy species in cultivation, an excellent 'structure plant' for the peat bed or large rock garden. A distinct form with recurved leaves is known as 'Secretary Island form'. C. semicordata subsp. aurigans from central Otago and Southland has a beautiful golden pellicle and inrolled leaf margins. It is becoming commoner in cultivation, and is an excellent foliage plant. C. semicordata subsp. stricta from western Otago and adjoining Southland has stiffer narrower leaves which are silvery on both sides; it is rather slow growing in cultivation. The 'Inshriach Hybrids' strain, developed by Jack Drake seem to be hybrids between C. semicordata, C. traversii and possibly C. verbascifolia. They are beautiful and vigorous plants. C. semicordata forms with C. spectabilis, C. verbascifolia, C. monroi and others a group of large leaved species with a membranous 'pellicle' on the upper leaf surface. Superficially similar species such as C. hookeri and C. holosericea lack this pellicle. C. semicordata and its smaller allies C. monroi, C. dubia, C. armstrongii and others are satiny, not felted below, unlike C. spectabilis and C. verbascifolia.
Joint Rock: Joint Rock Awards, Summer North, 15 June, 2013
