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NZ Plants

Xeronema callistemon - Poor Knights lily

Family: Xeronemataceae

Xeronema callistemon  is a tussock-like plant consisting of fan-like arrays of smooth sword-shaped leaves about 1 m in height. The tall flowering stalks bear vivid red flowers. The family contains one genus with two species. The second species is endemic to New Caledonia.
An endemic plant known only from the Poor Knights Islands and Hen Island.
 

Vegetative characteristics

Reproductive characteristics

Plant form: perennial herb up to 1 m

Flower symmetry: symmetric

Leaf form: undivided, linear, tapering

Flower size: 4-5 mm diam. x 10-15 long

Leaf size: 600-1000 mm

Sepals, petals: 6, red

Leaf arrangement: opposite

Sexuality: bisexual

Leaf attachment: sheath

Stamens: 6

Leaf margin: smooth

Ovary: above petals

Leaf surface: hairless

Fruit: dry


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