Anisotome patula
Synonyms
Ligusticum patulum Kirk
Family
Apiaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Native
Endemic taxon
Yes
Endemic genus
No
Endemic family
No
Structural class
Dicotyledonous Herbs other than Composites
Chromosome number
2n = 22
Current conservation status
The conservation status of all known New Zealand vascular plant taxa at the rank of species and below were reassessed in 2017 using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS). This report includes a statistical summary and brief notes on changes since 2012 and replaces all previous NZTCS lists for vascular plants. Authors: By Peter J. de Lange, Jeremy R. Rolfe, John W. Barkla, Shannel P. Courtney, Paul D. Champion, Leon R. Perrie, Sarah M. Beadel, Kerry A. Ford, Ilse Breitwieser, Ines Schönberger, Rowan Hindmarsh-Walls, Peter B. Heenan and Kate Ladley.
2012 | At Risk – Declining | Qualifiers: DP
Previous conservation statuses
2009 | At Risk – Declining | Qualifiers: DP
2004 | Not Threatened
Distribution
Endemic. South Island, South Canterbury where it is known from a few populations at Pareora, Manahune, and Tengawai. However, the exact distribution and status of this species is still unclear (B.P.J. Molloy pers. comm.).
Habitat
Confined to limestone where it grows in crevices, joints and on the associated deeply weathered rendzina soils. Prefers open sites within little if any associated vegetation cover.
Features
Tap-rooted, perennial, grey-green herb forming lax rosettes. Tap-root branching near ground level into (1-)3(-8) vegetative shoots. Leaves 3-8 per rosette, up to 200 mm long, rather lax, rarely suberect, pinnatifid, fleshy, grey-green to yellow-green. Petiole 50-100 mm, sheath with marginal wings, brown to brown-grey, chartaceous near apex. Leaflets 3-10 pairs, distant, sessile, 5-20 x 2-5 mm, rather variable, linear, cuneiform, deltoid to flabellate, pinnatifid, pinnatisect to deeply toothed; terminal leaflets tripartite. Cauline leaves, sparse, reduced in size, grey-green leaflets 2(-5), linear, pinnatisect or deeply toothed 1-3 times. Stems (1-)3(-8) suberect to decumbent and rather lax, 100-250 mm long. Inflorescence a lax, compound umbel. Peduncles (1-)3(-5) with 1-3 simple umbels, these subtended by 1-2 primary, narrow linear, 2-8 mm long, acuminate bracts. Flowers white, petals 0.2-0.5 x 0.2-0.5 mm, ovate, elliptic. Mericarps 2.5-3 x 0.5-1 mm, narrowly ellipsoid grey-brown.
Similar taxa
Anisotome patula has been included within Gingidia enysii (Kirk) J.W.Dawson. From that species it can be distinguished by its rather lax basal leaves whose leaflets though rather variable are usually much longer, narrower, more deeply divided and/or distinctly flabellate. The inflorescences are borne on very long, flaccid stems, and in turn the umbels are support by very long, flaccid peduncles. Some intermediate forms do exist and these require further study.
Flowering
December - April
Fruiting
December - April
Propagation technique
Can be grown from fresh seed. Does best when planted in a free draining soil enriched with lime. Excellent in a pot. Prone to powdery mildew in humid climates.
Threats
Under severe threat from the spread of Hieraceum pilosella L. and pasture grasses, habitat loss due to changes in stocking regimes, and through browsing from feral goats. Limestone quarrying is a long-term threat, while the very small populations are vulnerable to erosion, boulder and rock falls and erosion
Etymology
anisotome: Unequal sided
patula: Spreading
Attribution
Fact Sheet prepared by P.J. de Lange (28 August 2004). Description from fresh plants and herbarium specimens.
Citation
Please cite as: de Lange, P.J. (Year at time of access): Anisotome patula Fact Sheet (content continuously updated). New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/anisotome-patula/ (Date website was queried)