Geranium microphyllum
Synonyms
None.
Family
Geraniaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Native
Endemic taxon
Yes
Endemic genus
No
Endemic family
No
Structural class
Herbs - Dicotyledons other than Composites
NVS code
The National Vegetation Survey (NVS) Databank is a physical archive and electronic databank containing records of over 94,000 vegetation survey plots - including data from over 19,000 permanent plots. NVS maintains a standard set of species code abbreviations that correspond to standard scientific plant names from the Ngä Tipu o Aotearoa - New Zealand Plants database.
GERMIC
Chromosome number
2n = 52-56
Current conservation status
The threat classification 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) – more information about this can be found on the NZTCS website 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. Please note, threat classifications are often suggested by authors when publications fall between NZTCS assessment periods – a suggested threat classification status has not been assessed by the NZTCS panel.
Source: NZTCS and licensed by DOC for reuse under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence.
2017 | At Risk – Naturally Uncommon | Qualifiers: RR
Previous conservation statuses
2012 | At Risk – Naturally Uncommon | Qualifiers: RR
2009 | At Risk – Naturally Uncommon
2004 | Data Deficient
Distribution
Endemic to the Auckland and Campbell Islands.
Habitat
A species of sub Antarctic herbfields and turfs.
Wetland plant indicator status rating
Information derived from the revised national wetland plant list prepared to assist councils in delineating and monitoring wetlands (Clarkson et al., 2021 Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Contract Report LC3975 for Hawke’s Bay Regional Council). The national plant list categorises plants by the extent to which they are found in wetlands and not ‘drylands’. The indicator status ratings are OBL (obligate wetland), FACW (facultative wetland), FAC (facultative), FACU (facultative upland), and UPL (obligate upland).
FACU: Facultative Upland
Occasionally is a hydrophyte but usually occurs in uplands (non-wetlands).
Features
Perennial herb arising from a stout, thick somewhat woody taproot. All parts covered in soft backward or forward projecting appressed hairs. Stems slender, prostrate, with few to many branches. Basal leaves not persistent for duration of growing season, Leaf stalks (petioles) up to 17 cm long, leaf 4 cm diameter, kidney-shaped to circular or broadly ovate, deeply lobed, almost to midrib, sometimes more shallowly divided. Lobes 3-5, narrow to broadly obovate or oblong, apex rounded or shortly spine-tipped (mucronate). Stem leaves smaller, with fewer lobes. Flower stalks (peduncles) 1-6(-9) cm long. Flowers 1-2. Sepals 3-5(-6) × 0.8-2(-2.5) mm, lanceolate or elliptic-oblong, purple or with a purple marginal line. Petals white, (4-)6(-9) × 2.5-4.5 mm, broadly obovate. Seed 1.5-1.9 mm long, oblong.
Similar taxa
Geranium microphyllum s.s. is the only Geranium species found on the sub Antarctic islands, so it is unlikely to be confused with any other species in the field. Other mainland plants referred to this species are believed to be examples of one or more distinct, and possibly unnamed species (B.P.J. Molloy pers. comm.).
Flowering
October - February
Flower colours
White
Fruiting
No information available
Life cycle
Seed dispersed by wind, ballistic projection and possibly attachment (Thorsen et al., 2009).
Propagation technique
Easily grown from seed. Plants are short-lived but readily set seed.
Threats
Geranium microphyllum s.s. is only known from the sub Antarctic islands. It is rarely collected.
Etymology
geranium: From the Greek geranos ‘crane’, the fruit of the plant resembling the head and beak of this bird, hence the common name cranesbill.
microphyllum: Small leaf
Where To Buy
Not commercially available.
Attribution
Fact sheet prepared by P.J. de Lange for NZPCN (1 June 2013)
References and further reading
Thorsen, M. J.; Dickinson, K. J. M.; Seddon, P. J. 2009. Seed dispersal systems in the New Zealand flora. Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics 11: 285-309
NZPCN Fact Sheet citation
Please cite as: de Lange, P.J. (Year at time of access): Geranium microphyllum Fact Sheet (content continuously updated). New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/geranium-microphyllum/ (Date website was queried)