Wikipedia

Helichrysum lanceolatum

Helichrysum lanceolatum is a species of plant endemic to New Zealand,[3][4] commonly known as niniao.[5]

Helichrysum lanceolatum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Helichrysum
Species:
H. lanceolatum
Binomial name
Helichrysum lanceolatum
(Buchanan) Kirk[1]
Synonyms[2]
  • Ozothamnus lanceolatus Buchanan
  • Helichrysum glomeratum var. lanceolatum (Buchanan) Allan
  • Helichrysum glomeratum var. majus Allan
  • Swammerdamia glomerata Raoul
  • Helichrysum glomeratum (Raoul) Benth. et Hook.f. ex Kirk nom. illegit.
  • Helichrysum aggregatum Yeo

Helichrysum lanceolatum contains the following varieties:[3]

  • Helichrysum lanceolatum var. majus
  • Helichrysum lanceolatum var. lanceolatum
  • Helichrysum lanceolatum var. glomeratum

Description

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Helichrysum lanceolatum is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) which is the most widely distributed and successful flowering family of plants in the world.[6] H. lanceolatum is among a significant number of New Zealand Helichrysum species, nine of which are endemic to New Zealand.[4] Many of these species grow into shrubs or trees and are woody, thus being termed tree daisy.[7] The New Zealand endemic Helichrysum species are heterogeneous, meaning they are not uniform and have distinctive traits.[8]

 
Helichrysum lanceolaum
 
Detail of Helichrysum lanceolatum leaf

Helichrysum lanceolatum is a tangled, much branched, interlacing shrub, growing up to 3 m in height.[9] It has light brown bark with slightly grooved branches and alternate leaves.[5] Young branchlets are finely hairy[9] and evolve from dark brown to lighter brown with dark streaks as the wood thickens and ages.[10] The leaves are green/grey in colour and are pointed or rounded,[9] smaller on flowering branches,[11] and are arranged alternately along branches.[10] The upper surface of the leaf is smooth,[11] the tip is silver, and the underside is grey and downy.[9]

 
Composite flower head

The flower heads consist of abundant clusters of very small, up to 1 cm diameter, creamy white, scented flower heads.[5] These can be confused with the furry galls induced by Cecidomyiidae larvae.[10] The composite or compound flowers,[7] resembling a single flower,[12] are made up of multiple small flowers bordered by rows of discreet bracts;[13] the whole structure termed a capitulum.[8]

Morphological differences are strongly linked to habitat and soil substrate with much smaller leaves found on plants growing in full sun and in rocky soil.[14]

Range

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Natural global range

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Helichrysum lanceolatum is endemic to New Zealand, so only occurs in Aotearoa/New Zealand.[15]

The genus Helichrysum has 500–600 species in Africa, Madagascar, the Mediterranean basin, Macaronesia, western and central Asia, and India.[16]

New Zealand range

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Helichrysum lanceolatum is found throughout New Zealand and is widespread.[5] It is termed morphologically variable, meaning it has differing forms depending on habitat and geographical location.[14] Its New Zealand range is from the Northland Peninsula to the south of the South Island from sea level to about 900m.[17] It is also found on Great Barrier Island[18] and the Chatham Islands.[19]

Habitat

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Helichrysum lanceolatum grows well in dry soil[5] and prefers open, sunny aspects and rocky ground.[9] Historically thought to grow only in rocky habitats[20] it now appears to grow well in ecologically disturbed sites,[14] forest margins,[17] as well as dry and humid and open forest ecosystems[21] and coastal habitats.[22] It is one of several native shrubby understory species in pohutakawa/kānuka dominant forest on Great Barrier Island.[18]

Ecology

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Life cycle/phenology

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Helichrysum lancoelatum has composite flowers which encourages pollination.[7] Many flowers can be pollinated by a single visiting insect,[7] even though only 2–3 florets within a cluster of 8–12 are female.[5]

Insects are attracted by nectar-secreting glands on the inner base of each single flower,[7] a strategy for mass pollination by a single insect visit.[7]

Following successful fertilisation, flowers wither and drop off, allowing seeds to develop within achenes. Achenes are hard-shelled casings for a single seed[23] and are covered with fine, downy hairs that act as parachutes[7] aiding wind dispersal function.[24]

Aaron Wilton's research in 1997 suggests that most native Helichrysum species are pollinated by a wide range of insects, though more research is needed on pollination or phenology of New Zealand Helichrysum species.[8] H. lanceolatum flowers from October to January[17] with seeds ripening in February[5] and fruit developing in December.[9]

Diet and foraging

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Helichrysum lanceolatum prefers rocky soils and full sun[9] and grows well in dry soil and can tolerate low rainfall.[5] It is also one of many native shrubs within the coastal, mid-dune plant community, so can tolerate a sandy soil substrate.[22] Interestingly, a 2004 study showed the H. lanceolatum populations of Central Otago, a drastically modified environment, to be more susceptible to fire and drought, perhaps due to the sparse vegetation cover and disturbed ecology of the area.[25]

While not unpalatable, a 2002 study showed Helichrysum lanceolatum to be less palatable to introduced ungulates than other native species.[26]

Predators, parasites, and diseases

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H. lanceolatum is a host plant to some species in the native gall fly family Cecidomyiidae, whose larvae induce a large gall on the developing flower head.[27] More research is needed to understand the relationship between these species.

Other examples of moth species whose larvae feed on H. lanceolatum are the Pseudocoremia rudisata, and the Celama parvitis, a rare small moth, occurring in eastern and inland South Island shrublands whose larvae feed on the foliage of H. lanceolatum.[28] The larvae of another moth species, Helastia siris, may be associated with H. lanceolatum though more research is needed.[29]

A subsequent study has highlighted the association between the moth species Helastia triphragma and H. lanceolatum on Ōtamahua/Quail Island in Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour and suggests that increasing plantings of H. lanceolatum may help to keep populations of this moth stable and attract other native moths like Asterivora chatuidea.[30]

Interesting facts

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The Latin derivation for Helichrysum comes from the Greek word, helios, the sun; chrysos, gold[15] and lanecolatum, lance shaped; from the Latin lancea, light lance, spear.[15] The Māori name niniao means glowing as dawn.[5]

H. lanceolatum has many historical synonyms and has been named both Helichrysum glomeratum and Helichrysum aggregatum, both describing the ball-shaped flower heads.[17]

In New Zealand Flora Vol. 1, H.H Allan, 1982, recognised three varieties due to different growing habits, distribution, and leaf size and shape; Helichrysum glomeratum, and var lanceolatum and var majus. The species Helichrysum glomeratum var lanceolatum was soon found to already be named Helichrysum lanceolatum,[11] and var majus not specifically distinct from H. lanecolatum, thus Helichrysum lanceolatum remained the official scientific name.[11]

A DNA sequencing study in 2007 of H. lanceolatum and Anaphalioides bellioides, previously Helichrysum bellioides,[31] showed intergeneric hybridisation (crossing of genes between two distinct species within the same genus), occurring between these endemic species.[32] Both species belong to the Gnaphieae tribe (Asteraceae family).[31] The study looked at species from two distant Banks Peninsula populations, at Gibraltar Rock in the southern Port Hills and Long Bay Road in the remote eastern bays;[32] the hybrids studied showed many distinctive traits, of particular note, serrated leaves, a trait of neither parent plant and they demonstrated lower fertility.[32] The hybrid species has been named Helichrysum purdiei.[33]

Hybrids between Helichrysum lanceolatum and Ewartiothamnus sinclairii (Hook.f.) have also been reported.[32]

The late botanist Tony Druce noted that plants from Paerutu (Surville Cliffs), in Te Paki Ecological District on the Northern most point of the North Island[34] might be a distinct species due to their trailing growth habit.[35] This population also has fewer side branches, and smaller leaves than other North Island populations.[14] Druce also identified a large round-leaved form from Hick's Bay and recognized this species as having distinctive characteristics.[2] More recent studies have shown little genetic variation between populations, but some variability between geographically distant populations.[36]

References

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  1. ^ "Helichrysum lanceolatum (Buchanan) Kirk". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  2. ^ a b New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (2024). "Helichrysum lanceolatum".
  3. ^ a b "Niniao (Helichrysum lanceolatum)". iNaturalist NZ. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  4. ^ a b Salmon, John T. (1978). New Zealand flowers and plants in colour: 630 beautiful colour plates in native flora (Reprinted 1978, [of the] revised and enlarged edition 1970 ed.). Wellington Sydney London: A. H. & A. W.Reed LTD. ISBN 978-0-589-01095-9.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i Richards, Eva Carlisle (1956). Our New Zealand Trees and Flowers. Simpson & Williams.
  6. ^ Natusch, Sheila (1967). Native plants, an introduction to the plant life of New Zealand. Christchurch: Pegasus Press.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Foster, Tony (2012). Plant heritage New Zealand te whakapapa o nga rakau : interpreting the special features of native plants (2nd ed.). Kaeo, New Zealand : Bushmans Friend. ISBN 9780473219123.
  8. ^ a b c Wilton, Aaron (1997). An evolutionary investigation of the New Zealand inuleae (compositae): Stem anatomy and flowering phenology. University of Canterbury.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g Wilson, Hugh D.; Galloway, Tim (1993). Small-leaved shrubs of New Zealand. Christchurch, N.Z: Manuka Press. ISBN 978-0-473-01851-1.
  10. ^ a b c Wilson, Hugh (2013). Plant Life on Banks Peninsula. Cromwell, New Zealand: Manuka Press. ISBN 9780958329965.
  11. ^ a b c d Webb, Colin J.; Sykes, William R.; Garnock-Jones, Philip J. (1988). Naturalised Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Dicotyledons. Flora of New Zealand. Christchurch: Botany Division. ISBN 978-0-477-02529-4.
  12. ^ Moore, Lucy B.; Irwin, J. B. (1978). The Oxford book of New Zealand plants. Wellington ; New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-558035-8.
  13. ^ Webb, C. J.; Johnson, Peter N.; Sykes, W. R. (1990). Flowering plants of New Zealand. New Zealand. Christchurch, N.Z: DSIR Botany. ISBN 978-0-477-02584-3.
  14. ^ a b c d Smissen, R. D.; Breitwieser, I.; Ward, J. M. (2006). "Genetic diversity in the New Zealand endemic species Helichrysum lanceolatum (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae)". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 44 (3): 237–247. Bibcode:2006NZJB...44..237S. doi:10.1080/0028825X.2006.9513021. ISSN 0028-825X.
  15. ^ a b c Eagle, Audrey (2006). Complete Trees and Shrubs of New Zealand. Te Papa Press. ISBN 9780909010089.
  16. ^ Galbany-Casals, M (2008). "Polyploidy and new chromosome counts in Helichrysum (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae)". Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. 158 (3): 511–521. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8339.2008.00889.x.
  17. ^ a b c d Metcalf, L. J. (2009). Know your New Zealand-- native plants. Auckland, N.Z: New Holland. ISBN 978-1-86966-205-9.
  18. ^ a b Wardle, Peter (2002). Vegetation of New Zealand. Caldwell, N.J: Blackburn Press. ISBN 978-1-930665-58-3.
  19. ^ Allan, H.H (1982). Flora of New Zealand Vol 1. P D Hasselberg Government Printer Publications. ISBN 9780477010566.
  20. ^ Cockayne, Leonard (1928). The Vegetation of New Zealand. Cambridge University Press.
  21. ^ Lucas, Di (2008). Indigenous ecosystems of the Lyttelton Harbour Basin: a guide to native plants, their ecology and planting. Lucas Associates. ISBN 9780473102159.
  22. ^ a b "Canterbury native plants natural to coastal areas" (PDF). Department of Conservation. May 2021.
  23. ^ NZ Flora (2010). "Helichrysum lanceolatum". New Zealand Flora. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  24. ^ Thorsen, Michael J.; Dickinson, Katharine J. M.; Seddon, Philip J. (2009-11-20). "Seed dispersal systems in the New Zealand flora". Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics. 11 (4): 285–309. Bibcode:2009PPEES..11..285T. doi:10.1016/j.ppees.2009.06.001. ISSN 1433-8319.
  25. ^ Walker, Susan; Lee, William G.; Rogers, Geoffrey M. (2004). "The woody vegetation of Central Otago, New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 42 (4): 589–612. Bibcode:2004NZJB...42..589W. doi:10.1080/0028825X.2004.9512914. ISSN 0028-825X.
  26. ^ Forsyth, D. M.; Coomes, D. A.; Nugent, G.; Hall, G. M. J. (2002). "Diet and diet preferences of introduced ungulates (Order: Artiodactyla) in New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 29 (4): 323–343. doi:10.1080/03014223.2002.9518316. ISSN 0301-4223.
  27. ^ Martin, Nicholas (2014). "Flower-inhabiting native gall flies (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in New Zealand". The Wētā. 48.
  28. ^ Patrick, Brian (2000). "Lepidoptera of small-leaved divaricating Olearia in New Zealand and their conservation priority" (PDF). Science for Conservation. 168.
  29. ^ Patrick, Brian (2004). "Coastal butterflies and moths of Wellington and south Wairarapa" (PDF). Department of Conservation.
  30. ^ Patrick, Hamish; Bowie, Mike; Fox, Barry; Patrick, Brian (2011). "The moths of Quail Island (Ōtamahua): a faunal comparison of an island under restoration with other sites on Banks Peninsula". NZNaturalSciences.org.nz.
  31. ^ a b Glenny, David (1997). "A revision of the genus Anaphalioides (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae)". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 35 (4): 451–477. Bibcode:1997NZJB...35..451G. doi:10.1080/0028825X.1987.10410170. ISSN 0028-825X.
  32. ^ a b c d Smissen, Rob D.; Breitwieser, Ilse; Ward, Josephine M. (2007). "Genetic characterization of hybridization between the New Zealand everlastings Helichrysum lanceolatum and Anaphalioides bellidioides (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae)". Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. 154 (1): 89–98. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8339.2007.00632.x. ISSN 1095-8339.
  33. ^ Given, D (1971). "Some recent fern records from Banks Peninsula" (PDF). Canterbury Botanical Society Journal. 4: 7–9.
  34. ^ Lux, Jenny; Holland, Wendy; Rate, Stephen; Beadel, Sarah (2009). "Natural areas of Te Paki Ecological District" (PDF). Department of Conservation. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  35. ^ New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (2006). "Progress report on Helichrysum lanceolatum". Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  36. ^ Heenan, Peter B.; Lee, William G.; McGlone, Matt S.; McCarthy, James K.; Mitchell, Caroline M.; Larcombe, Matthew J.; Houliston, Gary J. (2023-05-30). "Ecosourcing for resilience in a changing environment". New Zealand Journal of Botany: 1–26. doi:10.1080/0028825X.2023.2210289. ISSN 0028-825X.
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