Common mountain daisy
StarCelmisia spectabilis
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Maori peeled the dense woolly tomentum from the underside of Celmisia spectabilis leaves to make a waterproof, insulating underlay for rain capes and clothing; the down was also used as a tobacco substitute and applied as a dressing for wounds (Riley, Maori Healing and Herbal, 1994).
Gallery
Botanical Description
Celmisia spectabilis, the common or cotton mountain daisy (Maori puharetaiko), is a tufted perennial herb in the family Asteraceae, endemic to New Zealand. It forms clumps of stiff, leathery, lance-shaped leaves that are glossy dark green above and densely clothed beneath in a thick, felted layer of white to buff woolly hairs (tomentum), giving the plant its 'cotton' name. From the rosettes rise stout, woolly stalks each bearing a single large, showy daisy head with white ray florets surrounding a yellow disc. The fruit is a hairy achene with a pappus of bristles. The species occurs in the mountains of both the North and South Islands, growing in tussock grassland, herbfield and on open subalpine to alpine slopes, where it is one of the most conspicuous and characteristic of the New Zealand mountain daisies.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Common mountain daisy.
No notes yet.