Biology:Linum monogynum
Linum monogynum | |
---|---|
Linum monogynum var. chathamicum | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Linaceae |
Genus: | Linum |
Species: | L. monogynum
|
Binomial name | |
Linum monogynum G.Forst.
|
Linum monogynum, the rauhuia or New Zealand linen flax,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the family Linaceae, which is endemic to New Zealand. It is a low-growing short-lived perennial or woody subshrub, growing up to 16 in (41 cm) tall. Its spear-shaped, leathery-gray to green leaves are 0.2–1 inches (5–25 mm) long. Its pretty white flowers are up to 1 in (2.5 cm) in diameter, and have five overlapping petals. It is monoecious, having both male and female organs on one plant (hence the Latin specific epithet monogynum, literally "single wife").[2]
Separate populations on Chatham Island are more robust with blue-white flowers, and may be referred to as L. monogynum var. chathamicum. There may also be variations amongst the mainland populations.[3]
This tough compact plant is well able to cope with the harsh conditions of New Zealand's coasts, often with gale-force salt-laden winds. It is a close relative to the true flax of the Northern Hemisphere, Linum usitatissimum, but is not closely related to the much better-known plants called New Zealand flax (species in the genus Phormium).[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Plant Profiles - Linum". O2 Landscapes. http://www.o2landscapes.com/pages/pp-linum.php.
- ↑ "Linum monogynum". Plants for a Future. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Linum+monogynum.
- ↑ "Linum monogynum var. monogynum". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. http://nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.aspx?ID=939.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Linum monogynum. |
- The Plant List entry
- Hebe Society (New Zealand) entry
- Te Motu Kairangi description
- Plants for a Future entry
Wikidata ☰ Q17548556 entry
Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linum monogynum.
Read more |