Helichrysum lanceolatum

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Helichrysum lanceolatum
Helichrysum lanceolatum kz01.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
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 is a species of plant endemic to New Zealand, [3] [4] commonly known as niniao. [5]

Contents

Helichrysum lanceolatum contains the following varieties: [3]

Description

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 Helichrysum lanceolatum kz04.jpg
Helichrysum lanceolaum
Detail of Helichrysum lanceolatum leaf Helichrysum lanceolatum in Abel Tasman NP (1).jpg
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 Helichrysum lanceolatum.jpg
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

Natural global range

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

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

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

Life cycle/phenology

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

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

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

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]

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References

  1. ↑ "Helichrysum lanceolatum (Buchanan) Kirk". Global Biodiversity Information Facility . Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  2. 1 2 New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (2024). "Helichrysum lanceolatum".
  3. 1 2 "Niniao (Helichrysum lanceolatum)". iNaturalist NZ. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  4. 1 2 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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 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. 1 2 3 Wilton, Aaron (1997). An evolutionary investigation of the New Zealand inuleae (compositae): Stem anatomy and flowering phenology. University of Canterbury.
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  14. 1 2 3 4 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. 1 2 3 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. 1 2 3 4 Metcalf, L. J. (2009). Know your New Zealand-- native plants. Auckland, N.Z: New Holland. ISBN   978-1-86966-205-9.
  18. 1 2 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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 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. 1 2 3 4 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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