Pronunciation: [hˈɑːst͡ʃə] (IPA) 
Haastia is a genus of flowering plants that are native to New Zealand. The word "haastia" is pronounced /ˈhɑːstiə/ (hah-stee-uh), with the stress on the first syllable. The "aa" in "haastia" represents a long "a" sound, which is pronounced with the mouth open wider and the tongue lying flatter than a short "a." The "s" in "haastia" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative, similar to the "s" in "snake."
Haastia is a noun that refers to a genus of plants belonging to the family Asteraceae, commonly known as the daisy family. It comprises several species of perennial herbs that are native to New Zealand.
The Haastia plants are characterized by their small size, with most species growing less than 10 centimeters in height. They have basal leaves that are often lance-shaped, oblanceolate, or linear, and their flowers are typically composed of numerous small disc florets. These florets are usually clustered together to form a dense composite flower head. The flower heads can vary in color, ranging from white, yellow, or pink to a purple hue.
One of the most notable species within the Haastia genus is Haastia pulvinaris, commonly known as "cushion plant." This species is distinguished by its compact, cushion-like growth form, which acts as a protective adaptation against strong winds and harsh alpine conditions. Cushion plants often grow in high-altitude areas, such as mountain slopes or exposed ridges.
Haastia plants are valued for their ornamental beauty and are sometimes cultivated as garden plants. Due to their limited distribution in New Zealand, Haastia species are also regarded as important elements of the country's unique ecological heritage. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these plants from habitat destruction and the impacts of invasive species.
