Edelweiss—a noble alpine plant

Even though New Zealand’s edelweiss is not directly related to its European namesake, there are striking similarities. Unless you go tramping in the hills, you’re unlikely to ever see a New Zealand edelweiss. The Europeans, on the other hand, treasure their edelweiss much more: Symbolised edelweiss can be seen in logos, on coins and even on aircraft.

I can still remember the first time I saw edelweiss in New Zealand. It was on a trip along the Peel Range in Kahurangi National Park when I spotted flowers that reminded me of edelweiss I had seen in the Swiss Alps. It wasn’t much of a surprise to learn that they were, indeed, South Island edelweiss.

South Island edelweiss—Leucogenes grandiceps (Mt Richmond Forest Park)

There appear to be four species of edelweiss in New Zealand:

• North Island edelweiss—Leucogenes leontopodium
• South Island edelweiss—Leucogenes grandiceps
• Marlborough edelweiss—Leucogenes neglecta
• Mt Peel edelweiss—Leucogenes tarahaoa

Their habitat is above 1200 metres in subalpine and alpine areas where they grow in fellfields, on rock outcrops, cliff faces, in rocky and stony places and in crevices. For more photos please refer to my edelweiss gallery.

The European edelweiss belongs to a different genus called Leontopodium which means “lion’s paw”. Its common name, edelweiss, is German and translates to “noble white”.

The Swiss consider edelweiss to be their (unofficial) national flower. Edelweiss Air, a charter airline based in Switzerland, is named after the flower, which also appears in their logo. Edelweiss also features in the logo of the German Alpine Society while the Austrians have their very own Edelweiss Beer.

Edelweiss Air Airbus A320 at Zurich Airport.

Edelweiss teddy bears at Zurich Airport.

New Zealand hasn’t taken its edelweiss that far and there is no need to. We have our much treasured kiwi and our fern as emblem.

Possibly related articles:

• Fixed-wire Traverse—infamously famous
• The Old Man and his hut
• Mt Richmond—mountain and forest park
• Lobelia macrodon—one of twelve lobelia native to New Zealand
• New Zealand gentians—dressed in white and pink