.jpeg)
Natural hybrid between two endemic species of New Zealand, Celmisia argentea and Celmisia sessiliflora, both confined to the alpine lawns and rocks of the South Islands. This hybrid shares with its parents the same type of habitat: exposed ridges, well-drained rocky substrates, at altitudes comparable to those of its parents, generally between 1,000 and 1,800 meters.
It forms a dense and compact cushion, intermediate between the two parents, with a modest height of about 5 to 10 cm. The foliage features narrow, linear to slightly spatulate leaves, covered with a characteristic silvery tomentum inherited from C. argentea, but with a slightly less rigid habit than the latter.
The capitula are solitary, white with a yellow center. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from December to February, corresponding to the austral summer. In cultivation in the northern hemisphere, it generally occurs in June-July.
The cultural requirements are similar to those of the two parents: acidic to neutral soil, very well-drained, enriched with gravel, in full sun. Stagnant winter humidity remains the main risk in cultivation under a temperate oceanic climate.