mountain neinei

Dracophyllum traversii | mountain neinei, grass tree, pineapple tree

This rather architectural tree, typically reaching over 10m in the wild, is characterised by its dramatic candelabra growth habit. It features long, strap-like leaves, 4-5 cm wide, often with subtle red-tinged edges, forming distinctive clumps at branch tips. Commonly found in New Zealand's subalpine and montane regions, this temperamental tree is in limited supply, but can occasionaly be found at specialist nurseries. It requires well-draining yet consistently moist soil and exhibits very slow growth, even under ideal conditions.