Aciphylla colensoi is a species of Aciphylla, commonly known as giant speargrass, Spaniard, or its Māori-language name taramea.[3] Individual plants may be up to 90 cm (35 in) in diameter and up to 1 metre (39 in) high when in flower, and consist of sharp spines, all pointing out from the centre. The leaflets are thick, and have rough margins and red-orange midribs. Yellow flowers may also be present, located on long, narrow, and strong stems.[4][5] A. colensoi is endemic and can be found in both main islands of New Zealand, typically in altitudes from 900 to 1,500 m (3,000 to 4,900 ft).[4]
| Aciphylla colensoi | |
|---|---|
| |
| Spaniard in flower | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Aciphylla |
| Species: | A. colensoi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Aciphylla colensoi | |
Taxonomy & naming
editJoseph Hooker first described the plant in 1864.[1][2] The specific epithet, colensoi, honours William Colenso.[2][5]
Distribution
editIt is found on both the North and South Islands of New Zealand from south of Mount Hikurangi through to the middle of Canterbury.[4][6] It is found from 900 to 1,500 metres (3,000 to 4,900 ft) in subalpine to low alpine areas. They are often found in moist conditions on sites featuring a mix of snow tussock scrub, grassland, and herbfields.[5]
Conservation
editThe decline of A. colensoi due to browsing from rabbits was noted as early as 1883.[7] It's conservation status as of 2023 is Not Threatened.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b "Aciphylla colensoi". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries; Australian National Botanic Gardens.
- ^ a b c Hooker, J.D. (1864) Handb. N. Zeal. Fl. 92
- ^ "Plant use details". Māori Plant Use. Landcare Research. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
- ^ a b c d New Zealand Plant Conservation Network article on A. colensoi
- ^ a b c Mark, Alan (1 January 2021). Above the Treeline: A nature guide to alpine New Zealand. Potton & Burton. p. 134. ISBN 978-1-988550-11-4.
- ^ "Aciphylla colensoi Hook.f. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
- ^ Norbury, D. (1996.) "The effect of rabbits on conservation values." Science for Conservation 34. Wellington, New Zealand: Department of Conservation.
External links
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