This unusual plant can be found in the Mountains House where it displays it’s bracted flowerheads.
A member of the daisy family (Compositae or Asteraceae), Leuzea conifera (syn. Rhaponticum coniferum)is a perennial species from the Mediterranean, occurring in Spain, Italy, Morocco and Tunisia. It has grey, ovate leaves which are felted beneath, and produces purple florets, though these are predominantly hidden by the papery, convex, purple-tinged bracts. In structure, the flowers resemble the inflorescence of globe artichokes (Cynara scolymus). As summer progresses the bracts will dry to produce a hay-coloured, papery cone.