Biology:Aciphylla colensoi

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Short description: Species of flowering plant

Aciphylla colensoi
Aciphylla colensoi.jpg
Spaniard in flower
Scientific classification edit
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 its Māori-language name taramea.[3] Individual plants may be up to 90 cm (35 in) in diameter and half as high, and consist of sharp spines, all pointing out from the centre. Yellow flowers may also be present, located on long, strong stems. A. colensoi 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]

Taxonomy & naming

Joseph Hooker first described the plant in 1864.[1][2] The specific epithet, colensoi, honours William Colenso.[2][4]

Distribution

It is found on both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.[4][5]

Conservation

The decline of A. colensoi due to browsing from rabbits was noted as early as 1883.[6]

References

External links

Wikidata ☰ Q4674199 entry