Aciphylla colensoi
Aciphylla colensoi is a species of Aciphylla, commonly known as giant speargrass, Spaniard, or it's 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]
| Aciphylla colensoi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Spaniard in flower | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Aciphylla |
| Species: | A. colensoi |
| Binomial name | |
| Aciphylla colensoi | |
Aciphylla scott thomsonii with foliage, inflorescence and root system in Hooker valley (Mount Cook National Park, NZ), 2.5m high, hand drawing by Axel Aucouturier, 2019.
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]
References
- "Aciphylla colensoi". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Hooker, J.D. (1864) Handb. N. Zeal. Fl. 92
- "Plant use details". Māori Plant Use. Landcare Research. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network article on A. colensoi
- "Aciphylla colensoi Hook.f. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
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