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NZ Plants
Aciphylla squarrosa - taramea, speargrass, Spaniard
Celery family: Apiaceae
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Plant
J Braggins
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Flower arrangement
L Jensen
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Flower arrangement
J Braggins
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Flower
I MacDonald
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Fruit
L Jensen
View picture
Aciphylla squarrosa is a robust woody herb forming dense tussocks with stiff basal bluish-grey leaves. The leaves are divided three times with long pointed final segments. Found in subalpine regions from the middle of the North Island to the middle of the South Island.
There are 40 species of Aciphylla native to New Zealand all of which are endemic.
Vegetative characteristics |
Reproductive characteristics |
|---|---|
Plant form: perennial herb with flowering stem up to 1 m |
Arrangement of parts: symmetric |
Flower size: 2-4 mm diam. |
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Leaf form: divided into 3 rigid linear leaflets with sharp tips |
Sepals: 5 |
Leaf size: 40-50 cm, terminal leaflet to 20 cm |
Petals: 5, yellow |
Leaf arrangement: basal, singly on the stem |
Sexuality: unisexual, on different plants |
Leaf attachment: sheath at leaf base; stipules |
Stamens: 5 |
Leaf margin: finely toothed |
Ovary: below petals |
Leaf surface: hairless |
Fruit: dry |
