Aciphylla colensoi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| 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 | |
Aciphylla colensoi is a species of Aciphylla, commonly known as giant speargrass, Spaniard, or by 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]
Joseph Hooker first described the plant in 1864.[1][2] The specific epithet, colensoi, honours William Colenso.[2][5]
Distribution
It 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]
.jpg)
.jpg)
