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NZ Plants

Pleurophyllum criniferum - megaherb

Daisy family: Asteraceae

Pleurophyllum criniferum  is a perennial herbaceous plant with root stock that bears very large, thin and ribbed leaves. Because of the unusual size of the leaves, such plants are commonly referred to as megaherbs. The genus Pleurophyllum consists of three species endemic to the subantarctic islands.
Pleurophyllum criniferum is endemic to the Auckland, Antipodes and Campbell Islands.
 

Vegetative characteristics

Reproductive characteristics

Plant form: perennial herb up to 0.5 m

Arrangement of parts: heads with asymmetric ray florets and symmetric disc florets

Leaf form: undivided, oblong-ovate

Sepals: 5

Leaf size: up to 1 m

Petals: 5. Purple-brown

Leaf arrangement: singly along stem

Sexuality: ray florets are female; disc florets are bisexual

Leaf attachment:

Stamens: 5

Leaf margin: toothed

Ovary: below petals

Leaf surface: shallow ribs; hairs

Fruit: dry


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