Raoulia
| Raoulia | |
|---|---|
| Raoulia glabra | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Subfamily: | Asteroideae |
| Tribe: | Gnaphalieae |
| Genus: | Raoulia Hook.f. ex Raoul |
| Type species | |
| Raoulia australis | |
| Synonyms | |
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Raoulia is a genus of New Zealand plants in the tribe Gnaphalieae within the family Asteraceae.
Many Raoulia species grow in alpine areas, forming very fine and dense growths. 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 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.