| Helichrysum lanceolatum | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific 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] | |
| |
Helichrysum lanceolatum is a species of plant endemic to New Zealand, [3] [4] commonly known as niniao. [5]
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 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]
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]
Helichrysum lanceolatum contains the following varieties: [3]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
 | This section may need to be rewritten to comply with Wikipedia's quality standards, as it needs to be split into additional sections.(August 2024) |
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]
Mānuka, also known as mānuka myrtle, New Zealand teatree, broom tea-tree, or just tea tree, is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae, native to New Zealand and south-east Australia. Its nectar produces Mānuka honey.
Clianthus puniceus, common name kaka beak, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Clianthus of the legume family Fabaceae, native to New Zealand's North Island.
Celmisia spectabilis, also known as cotton daisy or by its Māori name puharetaiko, is a mountain daisy in the family Asteraceae, and is endemic to New Zealand, where it is one of the most widespread species in the genus Celmisia.
Rubus schmidelioides, commonly called bush lawyer or white leaved lawyer, is a climbing plant species found commonly in New Zealand. It is given the Māori name tātarāmoa which refers to the feet of the rooster. Its hooked branches allow it to climb across the ground and into shrubs and trees. R.schmidelioides fruit are yellow to orange.
Veronica salicifolia, synonym Hebe salicifolia, the koromiko, or willow-leaf hebe, is a flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, which is found throughout the South Island of New Zealand and in Chile. It is a large, evergreen shrub, reaching 2 m in height, with light-green, spear-shaped leaves that are up to 12 cm long, and white or pale lilac flowers.
Waitzia acuminata, commonly known as orange immortelle, is an annual forb in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Australia. Plants grow to between 10 and 60 cm in height and have leaves that are long and narrow. These are between 2 and 7 cm long and 2 to 5 mm in width. The yellow, orange or white flowers appear between July and January. Waitzia Acuminata occurs in all mainland states of Australia and is currently not considered rare or endangered. Its genus Waitzia is named after German botanist Karl Friedrich Waitz. Acuminata is a latin name describing things that are tapered to a point, named after the plants spindle like outer bracts.
Ripogonum scandens is a common rainforest vine endemic to New Zealand. The species was described by Johann Reinhold Forster, and Georg Forster in 1776. It has a conservation status of Not Threatened.
Clematis paniculata is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. It is one of seven species of clematis native to New Zealand. C. paniculata is the most common of these, and is widespread in forests throughout the country.
Symphyotrichum lanceolatum is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to North America. Common names include panicled aster, lance-leaved aster, and white panicled aster. It is a perennial, herbaceous plant that may reach 1.5 meters tall or more, sometimes approaching 2 m. The lance-shaped leaves are generally hairless but may feel slightly rough to the touch on the top because of tiny bristles. S. lanceolatum blooms July to October. The flowers grow in clusters and branch in panicles. They have 16–50 white ray florets that are up to 14 millimeters long and sometimes tinged pink or purple. The flower centers consist of disk florets that begin as yellow and become purple as they mature.
Melicytus lanceolatus, commonly called narrow-leaved māhoe or māhoe-wao, is a small tree in the family Violaceae that is endemic to New Zealand.
Ozothamnus leptophyllus, commonly known as tauhinu or cottonwood, is an endemic shrub of New Zealand. Tauhinu is fast-growing, reaching 2 metres in height and is a common plant of coastal farmland. This species is host to the larvae of the New Zealand endemic moth Homoeosoma anaspila.
Eudonia sabulosella is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is regarded as being common. The larvae of this species are known to damage pasture in New Zealand.
Leptinella nana or pygmy button daisy is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is known from only three sites in New Zealand.
Myosotis eximia is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae endemic to the North Island of New Zealand. The species was described by Donald Petrie. Plants of this species of forget-me-not are perennial and erect, and have ebracteate inflorescences with white corollas.
Carmichaelia australis, commonly known as the New Zealand common broom or mākaka, is a shrub of the Fabaceae family. It is native to New Zealand and found in both the North and South Islands.
Alseuosmia quercifolia, commonly known as oak-leaved toropapa, toropapa, and karapapa (Māori), is a species of plant in the family Alseuosmiaceae. It grows as a shrub, reaching a height of 2.5 m, and has variably shaped glossy green leaves. Flowering begins in spring, producing fragrant pink flowers which become red berries in Autumn. Endemic to New Zealand, it is found only in the upper half of the North Island - predominately in the Waikato region.
Myosotis colensoi is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae, endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. Thomas Kirk described the species in 1896. Plants of this species of forget-me-not are perennial rosettes with bracteate inflorescences and white corollas.
Leucogenes grandiceps, also known as the South Island edelweiss, is a species of plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to New Zealand.
Celmisia gracilenta, commonly known by its Māori name Pekapeka, is an alpine plant of Asteraceae in the genus Celmisia, found at a latitude of 37° southwards in New Zealand.
Anaphalioides bellidioides, commonly known as the New Zealand everlasting daisy, is a native vascular shrub in the genus Anaphalioides, found distributed throughout New Zealand.