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More Genus
Dracophyllum (Dracophyllum)
There are some one hundred or so species in the genus, mostly shrubs, but also cushion plants and trees, found in New Zealand, Australia and New Caledonia. Although dicotyledonous, they resemble primitive monocots with their slender leaves concentrated in clumps at the ends of the branches. The height varies from 1 cm to about 12 m. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Dracophyllum
Feedback
Attributes of Dracophyllum
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Dracophyllum
Distribution of Dracophyllum
Feedback
Distribution Map of Dracophyllum
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Dracophyllum
Feedback
Dracophyllum comprises shrubs and trees known for their slender, grass-like leaves and attractive flower clusters. Cultivation typically requires well-drained acidic soil, moderate to high light exposure, and regular watering, while avoiding waterlogged conditions. Gardeners often face challenges such as root rot, limited availability of horticultural information, and sensitivity to harsh sunlight. Seasonal changes necessitate reduced watering in winter and protection from frost. Understanding dracophyllum's habitat can lead to success with these visually striking plants.
How to Water Dracophyllum?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Dracophyllum?
How to Propagate Dracophyllum?
How to Plant Dracophyllum?
Exploring the Dracophyllum Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Needle-leaf grass tree
The needle-leaf grass tree (Dracophyllum filifolium) is an evergreen plant with leaves that look like snakes. Dracophyllum from its Latin name literally translates to 'dragon-leaf,' hence the uncanny resemblance to the dragon tree found on the Canary Islands. It is typically found in grasslands, shrublands, and forests.
Trailing neinei
Trailing neinei ( Dracophyllum pronum) is a shrub with narrow leaves and small white flowers. It has a likeness to the famous dragon tree from the Canary Islands. The trailing neinei reaches a minimal vertical growth and is common in the mountains.
Mountain neinei
Mountain neinei is a unique plant found only in New Zealand's alpine regions. Its long, wiry leaves are perfect for weaving and were used by Maori people to make baskets and mats. It also produces nectar-rich flowers that attract native bees and birds.
Grass Tree
Dracophyllum longifolium has thin branches that become marked with rings as old leaves die. The needle-like long leaves are 3 to 5 mm wide and up to 25 cm long with a pointed tip and are often softly coloured from green through to orange and brown.
Spiderwood
Equipped with broad, lance-shaped leaves, spiderwood is a stunning evergreen endemic to alpine regions. Its hardy nature is exemplified by a bell-shaped silhouette with striking color gradients from green at the base to red toward the tip, adapting to harsh, windy environments. Clusters of tiny, white flowers bloom under the right seasonal conditions, attracting local pollinators and giving spiderwood its distinctive allure.
Dracophyllum pubescens
Dracophyllum pubescens is a resilient shrub known for its dense foliage and characteristic pubescent, or fuzzy, leaves that help in reducing water loss. The pale-green leaves are narrow and leathery, often curling at the edges, which may be an adaptation to its wind-exposed habitats. Its small, tubular flowers cluster in conspicuous groups, and together with stiff, upright branches, give dracophyllum pubescens a unique silhouette against rugged landscapes.
Dracophyllum sinclairii
Dracophyllum sinclairii stands out with its slender, grass-like leaves that form dense tussocks. The leaves' length, up to one meter, hints at its preference for subalpine to alpine environments where it withstands harsh winds. Tiny, white flowers cluster on dracophyllum sinclairii in summer, contributing to the marshy meadows and scrubs it often calls home. Adapted for survival in cold, it is a native emblem of resilience in New Zealand's rugged landscapes.
Dracophyllum elegantissimum
Dracophyllum elegantissimum flaunts slender, upright stems that give rise to tufts of long, narrow leaves, creating an elegant, grass-like silhouette. In its native alpine terrain, it endures harsh conditions with tough, leathery foliage, often evolving a striking, reddish hue as a protective response to intense sunlight and chilly temperatures.
All Species of Dracophyllum
Needle-leaf grass tree
Needle-leaf grass tree
The needle-leaf grass tree (Dracophyllum filifolium) is an evergreen plant with leaves that look like snakes. Dracophyllum from its Latin name literally translates to 'dragon-leaf,' hence the uncanny resemblance to the dragon tree found on the Canary Islands. It is typically found in grasslands, shrublands, and forests.
Trailing neinei
Trailing neinei
Trailing neinei ( Dracophyllum pronum) is a shrub with narrow leaves and small white flowers. It has a likeness to the famous dragon tree from the Canary Islands. The trailing neinei reaches a minimal vertical growth and is common in the mountains.
Mountain neinei
Mountain neinei
Mountain neinei is a unique plant found only in New Zealand's alpine regions. Its long, wiry leaves are perfect for weaving and were used by Maori people to make baskets and mats. It also produces nectar-rich flowers that attract native bees and birds.
Grass Tree
Grass Tree
Dracophyllum longifolium has thin branches that become marked with rings as old leaves die. The needle-like long leaves are 3 to 5 mm wide and up to 25 cm long with a pointed tip and are often softly coloured from green through to orange and brown.
Spiderwood
Spiderwood
Equipped with broad, lance-shaped leaves, spiderwood is a stunning evergreen endemic to alpine regions. Its hardy nature is exemplified by a bell-shaped silhouette with striking color gradients from green at the base to red toward the tip, adapting to harsh, windy environments. Clusters of tiny, white flowers bloom under the right seasonal conditions, attracting local pollinators and giving spiderwood its distinctive allure.
Dracophyllum pubescens
Dracophyllum pubescens
Dracophyllum pubescens is a resilient shrub known for its dense foliage and characteristic pubescent, or fuzzy, leaves that help in reducing water loss. The pale-green leaves are narrow and leathery, often curling at the edges, which may be an adaptation to its wind-exposed habitats. Its small, tubular flowers cluster in conspicuous groups, and together with stiff, upright branches, give dracophyllum pubescens a unique silhouette against rugged landscapes.
Dracophyllum sinclairii
Dracophyllum sinclairii
Dracophyllum sinclairii stands out with its slender, grass-like leaves that form dense tussocks. The leaves' length, up to one meter, hints at its preference for subalpine to alpine environments where it withstands harsh winds. Tiny, white flowers cluster on dracophyllum sinclairii in summer, contributing to the marshy meadows and scrubs it often calls home. Adapted for survival in cold, it is a native emblem of resilience in New Zealand's rugged landscapes.
Dracophyllum elegantissimum
Dracophyllum elegantissimum
Dracophyllum elegantissimum flaunts slender, upright stems that give rise to tufts of long, narrow leaves, creating an elegant, grass-like silhouette. In its native alpine terrain, it endures harsh conditions with tough, leathery foliage, often evolving a striking, reddish hue as a protective response to intense sunlight and chilly temperatures.
Chatham island grass tree
Chatham island grass tree
Chatham island grass tree exhibits a distinct tree-like form, reaching majestic heights with a smooth, slender trunk marked by the scars of fallen leaves. Its long, narrow leaves cluster at branch tips, resembling tufts of greenery jutting out against the skyline. This plant's adaptive growth in cloud forests makes it a master in capturing mist for survival, while its tiny white flowers add a subtle charm to its imposing stature.
Dracophyllum recurvum
Dracophyllum recurvum
Behold the curving majesty of the dracophyllum recurvum's needle-like foliage, a beloved feature in water-wise gardens. Not just a sparkling sight, but also an alluring nectar source for various bird species, this resilient plant graces New Zealand's subalpine slopes. Dramatically, it thrives in acidic soils and shows off its white starry flowers against the summer skyline.
Dracophyllum uniflorum var. frondosum
Dracophyllum uniflorum var. frondosum
With spear-like leaves sprouting in dense clusters, dracophyllum uniflorum var. frondosum maintains a hardy façade well-suited to its alpine environment. Its solitary flower, a contrast in delicacy, rises on a slender stem and offers subdued hues to the rugged landscape. This variety, with its generous foliage, braves cold, winds, and sparse soils, embodying resilience in the plant kingdom.
Dracophyllum lessonianum
Dracophyllum lessonianum
Dracophyllum lessonianum proudly displays sword-like leaves that form elegant fans, contributing to its otherworldly silhouette. Tolerant to alpine conditions, its foliage often adopts a reddish hue, a sun shield against harsh rays. Towering spikes of white blossoms emerge in summer, attracting pollinators while standing in stark contrast to the tough, evergreen leaves.
Dracophyllum verticillatum
Dracophyllum verticillatum
Dracophyllum verticillatum displays a unique growth pattern with whorled leaves arranged in a spiral around its stem. This evergreen shrub thrives in subalpine climates, where it forms tough, needle-like foliage to withstand colder temperatures. The foliage's dense clustering offers both protection and efficient energy capture in environments with harsh weather and limited resources.
Dracophyllum acerosum
Dracophyllum acerosum
Dracophyllum acerosum is a resilient shrub, recognized by its needle-like leaves and robust, wiry stems which adapt well to alpine conditions. The compact growth habit helps it withstand harsh winds, while its dense foliage, ranging from green to bronze, provides insulation against extreme temperatures. Small, inconspicuous flowers bloom from this tough survivor of rugged terrains.
Dracophyllum prostratum
Dracophyllum prostratum
Dracophyllum prostratum is a low-growing, hardy evergreen shrub uniquely adapted to alpine environments. Its slender, leathery leaves form dense mats, helping to resist cold and retain moisture. Tiny, inconspicuous flowers bloom seasonally, nestled among the foliage, emphasizing its survival in rugged terrains where few other plants thrive.
Pineapple scrub
Pineapple scrub
Pineapple scrub is a striking species typically found in alpine environments, known for its distinctive long, needle-like leaves that form dense clusters giving it a tufted appearance. This plant showcases small, bell-shaped white to pale pink flowers, which hang delicately from slender stems. Adapted to harsh conditions, pineapple scrub exhibits a resilience characterized by its stout, woody frame and evergreen foliage, serving both as protection against the elements and a year-round display of vitality.
Dracophyllum kirkii
Dracophyllum kirkii
Dracophyllum kirkii is a distinctive shrub with stiff, pointed leaves that spiral around its stems, reminiscent of a dragon's scales—hence its mythical name. Its natural home is in the subalpine regions, where it withstands harsh conditions. A member of the heath family, it produces white to pinkish flowers that contrast with its leathery green foliage, adding to its unique charm.
Dracophyllum townsonii
Dracophyllum townsonii
Dracophyllum townsonii is a hardy perennial shrub with needle-like leaves and a distinctive growth pattern. Its tough foliage, adapted to resist cold, clings to slender, upright stems. Small, bell-shaped flowers emerge, uniquely suited to attract specialized pollinators. Native to rocky alpine regions, it thrives in harsh, wind-swept landscapes, showcasing nature's tenacity.
Dracophyllum scoparium
Dracophyllum scoparium
Dracophyllum scoparium is characterized by its slender, grass-like leaves and dense, tufted growth form. This evergreen shrub flourishes in alpine and subalpine zones, where its needle-like foliage and small white flowers adapt to harsh, windswept conditions. The plant's compact habit helps conserve moisture, while its stiff leaves deter herbivores, ensuring survival in rugged climates.
Dracophyllum muscoides
Dracophyllum muscoides
Dracophyllum muscoides, with its moss-like appearance, is a small, hardy plant thriving in alpine or subalpine environments where it forms cushion-like clusters. Its leaves are tightly packed, needle-shaped, and often tipped with red, aiding in water retention and resistance to cold. The plant produces inconspicuous flowers, adapted to attract the limited pollinators at high altitudes.
Monoao
Monoao
Monoao is a striking plant often found in alpine or subalpine zones, characterized by its narrow, spear-like leaves and a compact growth habit. This resilience enables it to withstand harsh, windswept conditions. Inflorescence boasts small, inconspicuous flowers that highlight the plant's subtle beauty, drawing interest to its form rather than flamboyance.
Totorowhiti
Totorowhiti
Totorowhiti, a resilient perennial shrub, features stiff, needle-like leaves that form a dense, grassy tuft. Its slender, upright stems bear small, bell-shaped flowers, showcasing a delicate adaptation to its alpine or subalpine habitats. This species flourishes in rocky soils and demonstrates hardiness against cold, wind, and poor nutrients, embodying the rugged spirit of its mountainous home.
Dracophyllum rosmarinifolium
Dracophyllum rosmarinifolium
Dracophyllum rosmarinifolium resembles rosemary with its needle-like leaves, arranged in spiral fashion around the stem, creating a bushy appearance. Its resilience shines in alpine or subalpine zones, where it forms compact shrubs, hugging the landscape. Small, inconspicuous flowers may appear, hinting at its adaptation to the rugged, wind-swept terrains it calls home.
Dracophyllum politum
Dracophyllum politum
Dracophyllum politum is a hardy shrub characterized by its slender, erect form and dense cluster of small, narrow leaves at the branch tips, which resemble dragon scales. Its intricate white or pale pink flowers blossom to create a delicate contrast against the tough foliage. Thriving in alpine or subalpine regions, dracophyllum politum is adapted to endure harsh, windy conditions, with its growth patterns showcasing resilience and an ability to flourish in rocky, nutrient-poor soils.
Dracophyllum secundum
Dracophyllum secundum
Dracophyllum secundum is a distinctive perennial, characterized by its elongated, lance-shaped leaves that grow predominantly along one side of its stem, giving a 'combed' appearance. This foliage arrangement may be an adaptation to its often windy habitats, reducing drag and damage. Small, tubular flowers cluster atop sturdy stems, evolving to withstand the rugged environments dracophyllum secundum typically calls home.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Dracophyllum
Dracophyllum
There are some one hundred or so species in the genus, mostly shrubs, but also cushion plants and trees, found in New Zealand, Australia and New Caledonia. Although dicotyledonous, they resemble primitive monocots with their slender leaves concentrated in clumps at the ends of the branches. The height varies from 1 cm to about 12 m.
Lifespan
Perennial
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Key Facts About Dracophyllum
Feedback
Attributes of Dracophyllum
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Dracophyllum
Distribution of Dracophyllum
Feedback
Distribution Map of Dracophyllum
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Dracophyllum
Feedback
Dracophyllum comprises shrubs and trees known for their slender, grass-like leaves and attractive flower clusters. Cultivation typically requires well-drained acidic soil, moderate to high light exposure, and regular watering, while avoiding waterlogged conditions. Gardeners often face challenges such as root rot, limited availability of horticultural information, and sensitivity to harsh sunlight. Seasonal changes necessitate reduced watering in winter and protection from frost. Understanding dracophyllum's habitat can lead to success with these visually striking plants.
How to Water Dracophyllum?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Dracophyllum?
How to Propagate Dracophyllum?
How to Plant Dracophyllum?
Exploring the Dracophyllum Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Needle-leaf grass tree
The needle-leaf grass tree (Dracophyllum filifolium) is an evergreen plant with leaves that look like snakes. Dracophyllum from its Latin name literally translates to 'dragon-leaf,' hence the uncanny resemblance to the dragon tree found on the Canary Islands. It is typically found in grasslands, shrublands, and forests.
Trailing neinei
Trailing neinei ( Dracophyllum pronum) is a shrub with narrow leaves and small white flowers. It has a likeness to the famous dragon tree from the Canary Islands. The trailing neinei reaches a minimal vertical growth and is common in the mountains.
Mountain neinei
Mountain neinei is a unique plant found only in New Zealand's alpine regions. Its long, wiry leaves are perfect for weaving and were used by Maori people to make baskets and mats. It also produces nectar-rich flowers that attract native bees and birds.
Grass Tree
Dracophyllum longifolium has thin branches that become marked with rings as old leaves die. The needle-like long leaves are 3 to 5 mm wide and up to 25 cm long with a pointed tip and are often softly coloured from green through to orange and brown.
Show More Species
All Species of Dracophyllum
Needle-leaf grass tree
Trailing neinei
Mountain neinei
Grass Tree
Spiderwood
Dracophyllum pubescens
Dracophyllum sinclairii
Dracophyllum elegantissimum
Chatham island grass tree
Dracophyllum recurvum
Dracophyllum uniflorum var. frondosum
Dracophyllum lessonianum
Dracophyllum verticillatum
Dracophyllum acerosum
Dracophyllum prostratum
Pineapple scrub
Dracophyllum kirkii
Dracophyllum townsonii
Dracophyllum scoparium
Dracophyllum muscoides
Monoao
Totorowhiti
Dracophyllum rosmarinifolium
Dracophyllum politum
Dracophyllum secundum
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
