Azorella macquariensis

Azorella macquariensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Azorella
Species: A. macquariensis
Binomial name
Azorella macquariensis
Orchard[1]
Synonyms

Azorella selago

Azorella macquariensis, also known as Macquarie Azorella or Macquarie Cushions, is a species of cushion plant endemic to Australia’s subantarctic Macquarie Island. It was referred to the more widely distributed A. selago until 1989, when it was described as a separate species.[2]

Description

Azorella macquariensis is a perennial cushion-forming herb. Individuals form cushions and mats that may vary in size from a few centimetres to several metres in diameter and up to 60 cm in height. It is a keystone species dominating Macquarie's feldmark habitat, in which it is the only vascular plant, forming a major structural component of the vegetation. The feldmark community covers about half the island in the most wind-exposed areas of the plateau some 200–400 m above sea level. The plant flowers from December to February and fruits from January to April. It turns brown and ceases to grow during winter (from June to August).[2]

Conservation status

Azorella macquariensis has suffered a catastrophic decline due to dieback from unknown causes, first noticed in December 2008, and is considered to be endangered.[2]

References

Notes

  1. Orchard (1989)
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Tasmanian Threatened Species Notesheet (2009)

Sources