Azorella macquariensis

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 Azorella selago until 1989, when it was described as a separate species.[2]

Azorella macquariensis
Azorella macquariensis cushion plant on Macquarie Island.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Azorella
Species:
A. macquariensis
Binomial name
Azorella macquariensis
Orchard, 1989[1]

Description

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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

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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

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Notes

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  1. ^ Orchard (1989)
  2. ^ a b c Tasmanian Threatened Species Notesheet (2009)

Sources

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  • Orchard, A.E. (1989). "Azorella Lamarek (Hydrocotylaceae) on Heard and Macquarie Islands". Muelleria. 7: 16–18.
  • "Azorella macquariensis – Macquarie cushions" (PDF). Tasmanian Threatened Species Notesheet. Department of Primary Industries and Water, Tasmania. 2009. Retrieved 2010-09-22.