Azorella macquariensis, also known as Macquarie azorella or Macquarie cushions, is a species of cushion plant endemic to Australia’s subantarctic Macquarie Island. It was referred to the more widely distributed Azorella selago until 1989, when it was described as a separate species.[2]
| Azorella macquariensis | |
|---|---|
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| Azorella macquariensis cushion plant on Macquarie Island. | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Azorella |
| Species: | A. macquariensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Azorella macquariensis Orchard, 1989[1]
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Description
editAzorella macquariensis is a perennial cushion-forming herb. Individuals form cushions and mats that may vary in size from a few centimetres to several metres in diameter and up to 60 cm in height. It is a keystone species dominating Macquarie's feldmark habitat, in which it is the only vascular plant, forming a major structural component of the vegetation. The feldmark community covers about half the island in the most wind-exposed areas of the plateau some 200–400 m above sea level. The plant flowers from December to February and fruits from January to April. It turns brown and ceases to grow during winter (from June to August).[2]
Conservation status
editAzorella macquariensis has suffered a catastrophic decline due to dieback from unknown causes, first noticed in December 2008, and is considered to be endangered.[2]
References
editNotes
editSources
edit- Orchard, A.E. (1989). "Azorella Lamarek (Hydrocotylaceae) on Heard and Macquarie Islands". Muelleria. 7: 16–18.
- "Azorella macquariensis – Macquarie cushions" (PDF). Tasmanian Threatened Species Notesheet. Department of Primary Industries and Water, Tasmania. 2009. Retrieved 2010-09-22.