Dracophyllum recurvum
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Dracophyllum recurvum is a shrub which is part of the Dracophyllum genus but is distinguishable from other species in the genus by its recurved leaves. D. recurvum grows in subalpine and alpine environments in the volcanic Central Plateau of the North Island of New Zealand, especially Tongariro National Park. It is plentiful on Mt Ruapehu and other mountains of the Central Plateau, and is one of the few plant species that can survive of the extreme conditions at these high altitudes. Reasons for this are its wide-spreading root system, which also helps halt erosion on the mountain. D. recurvum is a prostrate to semi-erect shrub that grows up to one metre high, or down to less than five centimetres at higher altitudes. the plants branches are covered in a grey like bark and leaves vary from dark green at lower altitudes to reds and greys at higher altitudes. Leaves are 10-40mm in length and usually approx. 2mm wide. The physical characteristics of D. recurvum vary greatly with changes in altitude.
[edit] References
- Common Alpine and Forest Plants of Tongariro National Park - A Field Guide Tongariro Natural History Society 1996.
- Investigation of Dracophyllum recurvum's ecological niche By Rebecca Dimock, Rathkeale/St. Matthews Senior College 2007.
