Authors:
Silvery or grey-green mat-forming, to 50cm in diameter. Two distinct varieties occur in the alpine zone: R,h, var. apice-nigra, has distinctive black points on the upper and lower surfaces of the tips of the papery bracts which surround the flowerheads. R,h, var. albo-sericea, has white silky-hairy foliage and dark but not black tips to the scales surrounding the flowerheads. Both varieties have thickened leaves 2-3 by 1mm. Flowerheads 5-7mm across containing about fifteen florets. Var. apice-nigra is confined to South Island, at subalpine elevations to 1850m. Var. albo-sericea is restricted to North Island at similar elevations. Both inhabit rocky, sandy soils, often in extremely exposed positions. Easy to cultivate in poor, freely drained soil and seem to be hardy. Propagation easy by division.
