Epilobium macropus
| Epilobium macropus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Epilobium macropus in Tongariro | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Onagraceae |
| Genus: | Epilobium |
| Species: | E. macropus |
| Binomial name | |
| Epilobium macropus Hook. | |
Epilobium macropus is a species of small flowering plant, endemic to New Zealand.[2][3]
Description
A small, mat-forming plant that grows in very wet environments. Small green ovate leaves, with white flowers, which are present from November to March.[4]
The orange-brown coma can distinguish this Epilobium from others in New Zealand, except for the closely related Epilobium chionanthum. To distinguish from that plant, look for small hairs all over the stems, and opposite leaves on most of the plant except for an alternating pattern near the tips. Fruiting pedicels longer than 30mm are also distinctive.[1]
Distribution and habitat
Epilobium macropus grows on very wet surfaces, and floats on the water of moving streams in montane and alpine areas.[5][4] It is known exclusively from both islands, although only montane regions in the North Island.[1]
Ecology
It is eaten by introduced ungulates[6] (including possibly by chamois[7]), as well as by brushtail possums.[7]
Etymology
macropus means 'big foot.'[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "Epilobium macropus". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ^ "Epilobium macropus". iNaturalist. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
- ^ "Epilobium macropus Hook. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ^ a b "Flora of New Zealand | Taxon Profile | Epilobium macropus". www.nzflora.info. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ^ "Epilobium macropus Hook. - Flora of New Zealand Series". Flora of New Zealand Series. Retrieved 2025-02-19.
- ^ Forsyth, D. M.; Coomes, D. A.; Nugent, G.; Hall, G. M. J. (2002-01-01). "Diet and diet preferences of introduced ungulates (Order: Artiodactyla) in New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 29 (4): 323–343. doi:10.1080/03014223.2002.9518316. ISSN 0301-4223.
- ^ a b Parkes, John P.; Forsyth, David M. (2008). "Interspecific and seasonal dietary differences of Himalayan thar, chamois and brushtail possums in the central Southern Alps, New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 32 (1): 46–56. ISSN 0110-6465.