Azorella trifurcata

Azorella trifurcata, is native to the Andean mountains. It is one of the few species that can be found in cultivation. It is an astonishing perennial, incredibly adapted to its specific area. This completely spreading plant, very low-growing, extends indefinitely, slowly covering any support with its hard and evergreen leaves to become an imposing mass of juxtaposed rosettes. Its flowering in tiny corollas creates surprising yellow reflections in summer. A rarity for dry soils, to be planted in poor, perfectly drained soil.

Azorella trifurcata belongs to the family Apiaceae, the former umbelliferous family, like carrots. It is a perennial native to Chile and Argentina, where it grows at very high altitudes. It forms a compact, dense cushion, 10cm (4in) tall with a theoretically unlimited spreading. This tuft is made up of very small, dense rosettes of dark green, fleshy and shiny, dentate and lobed leaves. It slowly but surely spreads over many years. The summer flowering is discreet: the tiny, fleshy yellow flowers are grouped in small umbels scattered on the vegetative mat. It is a resinous aromatic plant with recognized medicinal properties.

For Azorella, a peat rockery is ideal. In any case, it likes very porous, rocky, well-drained soil, but it does not appreciate limestone. Winter moisture can be detrimental to its hardiness in unsuitable soil.

Azorella trifurcata is a fantastical plant, ideal to be planted with alpines, pasqueflowers, saxifrages, bellflowers, thyme, and silver baskets... It will also thrive in pots or in wall crevices. Plant it in a wide trough, protected from winter rains, and it will be perfectly happy. Azorella can also replace mosses in Japanese gardens, in the sun.

It is used in traditional South American medicine for its aroma, and thanks to its high calorific value, it was once used as fuel, like peat.