.jpg)
Dwarf shrub of the Asteraceae family, endemic to New Zealand, where the type species is widespread in the two main islands on alpine ridges, screes, and very exposed rocky slopes, generally above 1,000 meters. This variety is distinguished by leaves that are noticeably more swollen and convex than the type form, which the epithet tumidum directly translates.
It forms a sprawling to semi-erect shrub, dense and widely branched from the base, 15 to 30 cm in height, with woody stems radiating in all directions to eventually form a large and regular clump. The leaves are pressed against the stems in very tight alternate rows, strongly convex, bright green to medium green on their outer face and distinctly whitish to cottony underneath, creating on each stem an extremely regular bicolored checkerboard pattern, green and white, which evokes more an animal or mineral structure than an ordinary plant.
The flower heads are small, whitish, borne at the end of stems. In its natural habitat, flowering extends from December to February. In cultivation under our latitudes, it occurs in summer but remains discreet.
The cultivation requires perfect drainage, a very well-drained mineral substrate, full sun exposure, and good ventilation. Stagnant moisture in winter is the main risk. In regions with rainy winters, cultivation in a container under a cold and airy shelter is strongly recommended.