Trisetum spicatum
Synonyms
Aira spicata L., A. subspicata L., Trisetum subspicata (L.) P. Beauv.
Family
Poaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Native
Endemic taxon
No
Endemic genus
No
Endemic family
No
Structural class
Grasses
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.
TRISPI
Chromosome number
2n = 28
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 | Not Threatened | Qualifiers: SO
Previous conservation statuses
2012 | Not Threatened
2009 | Not Threatened
2004 | Not Threatened
Distribution
Indigenous. In New Zealand known only from the South Island where it grows in high alpine situations mainly east of the divide. Also on the Chatham, Auckland and Campbell Islands.
Habitat
The mainland form grows in subalpine to alpine vegetation, typically in open rocky ground in fell field, herbfield, scree, rock outcrops, cliff faces or tussock grassland. Often found growing with Koeleria cheesemanii (Hack.) Petrie. The Chatham Island variant grows in dune swales. The subantarctic variant grows on peat and in rock crevices at sea level.
Manaaki Whenua Online Interactive Key
Propagation technique
Easy from fresh seed and division of whole plants. Dislikes humidity, and does best in free draining, damp soils within a cool, airy site. Excellent in an alpine house. The typical form of this species will not flower at lower altitudes unless plants are subjected to 1-2 months cold treatment.
Etymology
trisetum: Three-bristled
spicatum: Grows ears (like corn), in spikes
Where To Buy
Not commercially available
Notes on taxonomy
New Zealand T. spicatum is very variable. Plants from the subantarctic islands are very distinct from mainland New Zealand plants, as are those from the Chatham Islands. Further study into this variation is needed