Raoulia is a genus of New Zealand plants in the tribe Gnaphalieae within the family Asteraceae.Hooker, Joseph Dalton ex Raoul, Étienne Fiacre Louis. 1846. Choix de plantes de la Nouvelle-Zelande page 20Tropicos, Raoulia Hook. f. ex Raoul
Many Raoulia species grow in alpine areas, forming very fine and dense growths.Raoulia bryoides: Vegetable Sheep These compact growths form large amorphous cushion-like masses with only the growing tips visible. Due to their shape and form, the plant clusters resemble sheep from afar, this giving them their alternate name, vegetable sheep.
Haastia pulvinaris is another species of plant in the aster family that is also known as vegetable sheep, and which grows in similar environments.
The range of some species, such as Raoulia beauverdii, includes coastal places.
Taxonomy SpeciesThe Plant List search for Raoulia
Formerly included Argyrotegium mackayi (Raoulia mackayi)
Cultivation Slow spreading, flat rock garden plant with silver-gray, almost moss-like, foliage. sun: full sun, part shade height: width: spreads to around . water: regular hardiness: according to one source, according to another heat tolerance: unknown
See also Vegetable Lamb of Tartary (mythological plant)
References