Ozothamnus leptophyllus

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Ozothamnus leptophyllus
Ozothamnus leptophyllus by Peter de Lange.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Ozothamnus
Species:
O. leptophyllus
Binomial name
Ozothamnus leptophyllus
(G.Forst.) Breitw. & J.M.Ward

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. [1] This species is host to the larvae of the New Zealand endemic moth Homoeosoma anaspila . [2]

Contents

Description

Herbarium specimen of Ozothamnus leptophyllus from the Auckland War Memorial Museum Herbarium Ozothamnus leptophyllus (G.Forst.) Breitw. and J.M.Ward (AM AK344146) (cropped).jpg
Herbarium specimen of Ozothamnus leptophyllus from the Auckland War Memorial Museum Herbarium

This dicot plant species is described as a gray or yellow-green bushy shrub [3] being as tall as 5 meters, but most commonly stands at a height of around 2 to 3 meters tall. [4] The stems of these leaves are very tomentose, [5] meaning that the stems of these plants are covered with dense wooly hairs. Ozothamnus leptophyllus has simple broad leaves with an alternate leaf arrangement pattern which they use for photosynthesis and are self-supporting, only needing itself to grow vertically. [6] Young leaves are slightly sticky, [4] but when mature range from being glabrous to moderately hairy with a moderate amount of white hair populating the surface of the leaf. [5] Leaves are up to 3mm wide and are spatulate. [4] The branchlets of the plant are slender and hairless and the petioles, the stalk that attaches the leaf to the stem, surround branchlets and where leaves are arranged in series of three to four. [4] The flowers of this plant tend to mostly be white, though on occasion have touches of pink or red on the bud, and have 4-15 florets per capitulum. [5]

Range

While Ozothamnus leptophyllus is endemic to New Zealand, [7] the Ozothamnus genus is found globally. [3] Ozothamnus leptophyllus is found throughout the whole of New Zealand, including the North, South, Stewart, and Auckland Islands. [3] The species itself is quite common and as of 2012, it is in the conservation status of "Non Threatened". [3]

Habitat

Ozothamnus leptophyllus growing at Himatangi Beach in the Manawatu-Whanganui Region Ozothamnus leptophyllus 318880982.jpg
Ozothamnus leptophyllus growing at Himatangi Beach in the Manawatū-Whanganui Region

The habitat of Ozothamnus leptophyllus is coastal to subalpine shrubland and scrub. [3] It is present in open areas such as erosion gutters or avalanche chutes, and most thrives in land where the ground cover has been removed. [8] It is able to adapt to a variety of different habitats, allowing it to be a common plant in New Zealand, especially in open areas.

Ecology

Ozothamnus leptophyllus flowers seen in January Ozothamnus leptophyllus 318717476.jpg
Ozothamnus leptophyllus flowers seen in January

Phenology

The period of flowering for Ozothamnus leptophyllus is commonly described between December and March, [3] though Allan [4] puts the timing between November and February, with the fruits typically appearing soon after this and staying until April. [8] Seed ripening typically begins in late January, reaching its peak in March, and it is during this month that a vast majority of the seed are dispersed with the help of wind. [8] The branches of the Ozothamnus leptophyllus are marked with growth rings, allowing scientists to note the age of the plant; however, these only become evident until the branches reach an estimated age of eight years. [8]

Growth preferences

Being found throughout the whole of New Zealand, [9] Ozothamnus leptophyllus is able to survive in a variety of soil, water, and weather conditions. However, this plant cannot survive in alpine conditions since it is only found coastal to subalpine shrubland and scrub. [3] Ozothamnus leptophyllus requires a high light intensity for it to be successful, though it is able to tolerate a wide range of soil types, as well as having a high salt and wind tolerance. [8]

Predators, parasites, and diseases

Being a plant, it is often visited by insects and other herbivores that use the leaves of this plant for their own energy. It is difficult to ascertain all the herbivores that feed on this plant since there are many, but there are a couple of species that are known to visit and feed on both the leaves and the flowers of this plant. One of these species that visit the flowers of the Ozothamnus leptophyllus include the gorse pod moth (Cydia succedana), [6] a species of moth found in Europe that was introduced to New Zealand [10] as a way to biologically control the gorse plant. [11] Another species which often visits the flowers is the large hoverfly (Melangyna novaezelandiae) who feeds on the pollen of this plant, but also serves to help pollinate the Ozothamnus leptophyllus. [6] The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is also known to feed on the leaves of the Ozothamnus leptophyllus. [6] Ozothamnus leptophyllus is also the host of the larvae of the moth species Homoeosoma anaspila , who feed on the plant until maturity. [12] The bug Cyperobia carectorum is also known to eat the leaves of the Ozothamnus leptophyllus as well as being a host for it. [6] Some other known insects that feed on the Ozothamnus leptophyllus include leafhoppers, scale insects, looper caterpillars, clothes moths, psyllids, wheat bugs, and many other types of insects. [8] Though this plant is able to adapt to many of the climates found around New Zealand, it can be outcompeted by tussock grasses due to the reduced light and nutrients that are found in areas with strong growing tussock grasses. [8]

History

The process of naming this plant seems to have been incredibly difficult since it took over two hundred years for the plant to be successfully named. [13] First being recorded as Calea leptophylla in 1786 in the writings of Georg Forster, [13] it was commonly attributed to the genus Cassinia , [14] with Robert Brown being the first individual to switch it into this genus. [9] In his 1817 publication “Some Observations on the Natural Family of Plants called Compositae”, he described this species in great detail and even stated how similar Cassinia and Ozothamnus are before ultimately placing the plant into the genus Cassinia due to the perceived absence of the paleae, which are the upper bract of the floret of a grass, on the plant. [15] Ozothamnus leptophyllus would be continually placed in the genus Cassinia, but would switch around in species before being correctly placed in the genus Ozothamnus by scientists Josephine Ward and Ilse Breitwieser in 1997. [13]

Scientific uses

The leaves have showed evidence of having strong antiviral properties against both polio and herpes as well as possessing antifungal and antimicrobial properties, but these antimicrobial and fungal are much weaker in comparison to the antiviral properties that Ozothamnus leptophyllus possesses. [16]

Etymology

The etymology of the name is derived from the Greek word ‘ozo’, which means to smell and ‘thamnus’ which means shrub, while leptophyllus means “with slender leaves” . [3]

Revegetation and cultivation

This plant has also started to increase in popularity for revegetation and cultivation due to it being fast growing, easy, quite tolerant of many different conditions, which makes it perfect for sand dune restoration. [8]

Chromosome count

On a molecular level it has a chromosome count of 2n = 26-28. [8]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gnaphalieae</span> Tribe of flowering plants

The Gnaphalieae, commonly known as paper daisies, are a tribe of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It is most closely related to the tribes Anthemideae, Astereae, and Calenduleae.

<i>Craspedia</i> (plant) Genus of Australasian flowering plants of Asteraceae (daisy) family

Craspedia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae commonly known as billy buttons, billy balls, and woollyheads. They are native to Australia and New Zealand where they grow in a variety of habitats from sea level to the Southern Alps. The genus is found in every state of Australia but not in the Northern Territory. In New Zealand, Craspedia is found from East Cape on the North Island south to Stewart Island. It also occurs on Campbell Island and the Chatham Islands.

<i>Cassinia</i> Genus of flowering plants

Cassinia is a genus of about fifty-two species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae that are native to Australia and New Zealand. Plants in the genus Cassinia are shrubs, sometimes small trees with leaves arranged alternately, and heads of white, cream-coloured, yellow or pinkish flowers surrounded by several rows of bracts.

<i>Ozothamnus</i> Genus of flowering plants

Ozothamnus is a genus of plants found in Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia.

<i>Cydia succedana</i> Species of moth

Cydia succedana, or Gorse Pod Moth is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae. It is found in Europe and has been introduced to New Zealand.

<i>Damnamenia</i> Genus of flowering plants

Damnamenia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae.

<i>Stigmella cassiniae</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Stigmella cassiniae is a moth of the family Nepticulidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the North and South Islands. The larvae are leaf miners of leaves and stems of Ozothamnus leptophyllus. When mature, the larvae pupate amongst leaf litter on the ground. Adult moths have been recorded on the wing in January, February, April, and October. It has been hypothesised that there are likely two generations in a year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tauhinukorokio / Mount Pleasant</span> Mountain in Canterbury, New Zealand

Tauhinukorokio / Mount Pleasant, also known just as either Mount Pleasant or Tauhinukorokio individually, is the highest elevation in the eastern Port Hills in Christchurch, New Zealand. It once held a Māori pā, but there was little left of it when European settlers first arrived in the 1840s. The hill was first used as a sheep run, and became the base trig station for the survey of Canterbury. It was also used as a signal station to make residents aware of ships coming into Lyttelton Harbour / Whakaraupō. During World War II, an extensive heavy anti-aircraft artillery (HAA) battery was built near the summit, and the foundations of those buildings still exist.

<i>Hierodoris atychioides</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Hierodoris atychioides is a moth of the family Oecophoridae. It was described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1877. The female holotype specimen held at the Natural History Museum, London. This species is endemic to New Zealand, and can be found in the North, South and Stewart Islands. The larvae form webs of silk attached to frass and leaves on their hosts in which they shelter, often in the company of other larvae in their species. Their feeding habits have not been observed in detail but Hoare hypothesises the larvae may feed on dead or dying leaves. The larvae feed on a wide range of trees and shrubs, including Dacrydium cupressinum, Prumnopitys taxifolia, Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, Libocedrus bidwillii, Cupressus macrocarpa, Leptospermum scoparium, Kunzea ericoides, Ozothamnus leptophyllus, Abies, Picea, Pinus and Thuja species. Although they are regarded as a pest of exotic forests in New Zealand, the economic damage the larvae cause is minimal and they tend to be controlled only by their natural enemies. Larval enemies include the parasitic flies Trigonospila brevifacies and Pales funesta as well as parasitic wasps including Xanthopimpla rhopaloceros. The adult moths are day flying and are most common during the months of December and January. This species is variable in appearance as larvae, pupa and as adults, and it has been hypothesised that it is in the process of speciation.

<i>Pyrgotis plagiatana</i> Species of moth

Pyrgotis plagiatana is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae. It is found in New Zealand.

<i>Argyrotegium</i> Genus of flowering plants

Argyrotegium is a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae, native to Australia and New Zealand.

<i>Homoeosoma anaspila</i> Species of moth

Homoeosoma anaspila is a species of snout moth in the genus Homoeosoma. It is endemic to New Zealand. It found in the North and South Islands as well as the Kermadec Islands.

<i>Carmichaelia australis</i> Species of legume

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.

<i>Physetica homoscia</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Physetica homoscia is a species of moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found throughout New Zealand including in the Auckland Islands. This species inhabits places where its host plants are common and this includes costal dune habitat. It lives at a wide range of altitudes from sea-level up to at least 1750 m. The larvae of P. homoscia feed on Ozothamnus leptophyllus and Ozothamnus vauvilliersii. They are very active and drop to the ground when disturbed. Larvae are parasitised by a species of fly. This species pupates in the soil and the pupa life stage lasts for approximately 6 weeks. The adult moths are on the wing from September to June and are attracted to light. The adults of P. homoscia might possibly be confused with Ichneutica moderata however this latter species lacks the small white dots on the forewing veins of P. homoscia. Adults might also be confused with P. temperata but P. homoscia is significantly larger in size.

<i>Hierodoris eremita</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Hierodoris eremita is a moth of the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and found in the areas around Aoraki / Mount Cook and Westland Tai Poutini National Park areas. This species inhabits alpine herbfields at altitudes of around 900–1400 m. Larvae are said to have been reared on the leaves of plants in the Celmisia genus. Pupation happens on the host plant. The adults of this species is on the wing between December and June. This species is day flying.

<i>Ozothamnus vauvilliersii</i> Species of shrub

Ozothamnus vauvilliersii is a species of shrub in the family Asteraceae, native to New Zealand.

Rachelia is a monotypic genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Asteraceae. It just contains one species, Rachelia glariaJ.M.Ward & Breitw. It is in the tribe Gnaphalieae.

<i>Pseudocoremia colpogramma</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

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<i>Helichrysum lanceolatum</i> Species of flowering plants

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<i>Anaphalioides bellidioides</i> Species of flowering plants

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References

  1. ↑ "Tauhinu shrubland, west Wellington". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
  2. ↑ "Invertebrate herbivore biodiversity report". plant-synz.landcareresearch.co.nz. Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "New Zealand Plant Conservation Network". Ozothamnus leptophyllus. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Allan, H. H. (1961). Flora of New Zealand: Volume I: Indigenous Tracheophyta: Psilopsida, Lycopsida, Filicopsida, Gymnospermae, Dicotyledones. Wellingotn: Government Printer. ISBN   0477010563.
  5. 1 2 3 Webb, C. J.; Sykes, W. R.; Garnock-Jones, P. J. (1988). Flora of New Zealand. Vol. IV. Naturalised Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Dicotyledons. Christchurch: Botany Division DSIR.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Encyclopedia of Life". Ozothamnus leptophyllus (G. Forst.) I. Breitwieser & J. M. Ward. Natural Museum of Natural History Smithsonian. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  7. ↑ "Ozothamnus leptophyllus (G.Forst.) Breitw. & J.M.Ward". New Zealand plant names database, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Schönberger, I. Biosystematics and taxonomy of the Ozothamnus leptophyllus (compositae) complex in New Zealand. University of Canterbury.
  9. 1 2 "NZflora". Ozothamnus leptophyllus (G.Forst.) Breitw. & J.M.Ward. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  10. ↑ Zlatkov, B.; Budashkin, Y. "Taxonomic and distributional remarks on some Palaearctic Cydia of the succedana-group with descriptions of two new species (Tortricidae)". Nota Lepidopterologica. 35 (1): 97–107.
  11. ↑ Hill, R. L.; Gourlay, A. H. (2002). "Host-range testing, introduction, and establishment of Cydia succedana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) for biological control of gorse, Ulex europaeus L., in New Zealand". Biological Control. 25 (2): 173–186. doi:10.1016/S1049-9644(02)00057-9.
  12. ↑ "Plant-Sy NZ". Ozothamnus leptophyllus (G.Forst.) Breitw. & J.M.Ward (Host Plant). Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  13. 1 2 3 Breitwieser, I.; Ward, J. M. (1997). "Transfer of Cassinia leptophylla (Compositae) to Ozothamnus". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 35 (1): 125–128. doi:10.1080/0028825X.1997.10410675.
  14. ↑ Orchard, A. E.; Wilson, A. J. G. (2004). "Cassinia glossophylla Cass. is Ozothamnus leptophyllus (G.Forst.) Breitw. & J.M.Ward (Asteraceae)". Australian Systematic Botany. 17 (1): 567–570. doi:10.1071/SB04033.
  15. ↑ Orchard, A. E. (2005). "(1676) Proposal to conserve Cassinia R. Br. (1817) nom. cons. (Asteraceae) against an additional name, Ozothamnus, or to change its date of publication to Cassinia R. Br. (1813)". Taxon. 54 (1): 199–201. doi:10.2307/25065327. JSTOR   25065327.
  16. ↑ Wood, J. E.; Munro, M. H. G.; Blunt, J. W.; Perry, N. B.; Walker, J. R. L.; Ward, J. M. (1999). "Biologically active compounds from Ozothamnus leptophyllus". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 37 (1): 167–174. doi:10.1080/0028825X.1999.9512622.
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