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Myrsine divaricata

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Myrsine divaricata

Not Threatened (NZ TCS)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Myrsine
Species:
M. divaricata
Binomial name
Myrsine divaricata

Myrsine divaricata also known as weeping māpou or weeping matipo, is a small tree up to 4 metres (13 ft) tall or often a shrub.[2] It has a strongly divaricating habit with interlaced branches. The woody parts are stiff and pubescent when young. The small leathery simple leaves are borne on short petioles and may be slightly two lobed at the end. The very small yellow or reddish flowers may be borne singly or in small groups which mature into small purple, occasionally white, fruit.[3]

Description

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Myrsine divaricata is a shrub or small tree up to 4m with drooping/weeping[4] and divaricating[5] branchlets, giving this plant a straggly, twiggy and branched look.[6]

Its leaves are small, being between 5–15 mm long by 5–10mm wide,[5][7] and are on short petioles. They are simple, alternate or in fascicles, often broad-obovate[4] or heart-shaped, and with a smooth margin.[5] Leaves appear leathery, with oil glands dotted throughout.[8] Commonly, there will also be a dark marking at the base of the leaf blade.[5]

The trunk of M. divaricata is slim[9] with rough, dark brown bark,[4] which is often covered with lichen.[8] The thin[9] branchlets are divaricating, interlaced, spreading, and rigid.[4] They also curve downwards,[10] which gives them a drooping appearance.

The pale yellow to reddish[7] flowers are also very small, being 2–3 mm in diameter with 3 or 4 petals.[4] They are found singly, or in fascicles below the leaves.[8]

Its fleshy fruit are often described as a drupe.[11][12] They are small, 4–5 mm in diameter,[4] and round. When ripe, fruits are a bright purple,[11] but can also be mauve,[13] or (rarely) white.[14] Fruits contain one seed[11][12] which are round and striped.[15]

  • Leaves
    Leaves
  • Flowers
  • Fruit
    Fruit

Range

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Natural global range

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Myrsine divaricata is endemic to New Zealand.

New Zealand range

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Myrsine divaricata is common and widespread across New Zealand.[16] It can be found in the North Island, South Island, Stewart Island, Auckland Islands, and Campbell Islands from lowland to higher montane environments[4] or sea level to 1,200 m.[8]

Habitat

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This species has been described as a generalist because it can be found in a wide range of habitats throughout New Zealand.[16] However, it especially prefers high fertility sites.[16]

From lowland to montane, it is known to occur in scrubland, inland basins, forests and on forest margins.[4][5][12] With a cold sensitivity of −8.5°C,[17] M. divaricata can be found in frost hollows, which are associated with severe frosts and poor drainage.[18]

Myrsine divaricata occurs in many woody ecosystems including beech-broadleaved forest alliances, where M. divaricata is a subcanopy species in a silver beech-broadleaf dominated forest[19] or beech forest alliances.[20] In these ecosystems, M. divaricata is often used as an indicator species.[20]

Ecology

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Phenology

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Myrsine divaricata is evergreen and dioecious.[12] Flowering occurs from June to November.[21] A few months later, between August and April, these flowers will mature and fruiting will occur,[4] producing purple fruits that ripen in the same timeframe.[22] The flowers of M. divaricata are insect pollinated,[23] and frugivorous birds disperse its seeds.[12]

Predators, Parasites, and Diseases

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Birds including New Zealand bellbirds and silvereyes, have been observed eating the fruits of M. divaricata.[12] Other birds like riflemen, brown creepers, grey warblers, tomtits, and New Zealand fantails use M. divaricata to forage for other things, like invertebrates.[24]

The extinct, flightless ratite, moa are also believed to have predated M. divaricata. Moa gizzard content samples have revealed the leaves and seeds of M. divaricata,[25] indicating that it was once part of the moa diet.

Invertebrates that are known to predate M. divaricata includes moths, beetles, flies, bees, true bugs and nematodes.

Species of moth use M. divaricata as a host plant by feeding on the plant's leaves or flowers as caterpillars.[26] This has been specifically observed in the moth species, Declana floccosa,[27] Apoctena flavescens, Gellonia pannularia, Pseudocoremia insignita, Pyrgotis plagiatana,[26] and Pasiphila inductata.[28]

Beetles can be found on M. divaricata, often living in dead parts of the plant, like branches, twigs, or bark.[26] This includes Cacephatus aucklandicus,[29] Ophryops dispar,[30] Microcryptorhynchus latitarsis, Microcryptorhynchus multisetosus, Microcryptorhynchus suillus, Microcryptorhynchus kronei, Pachyderris punctiventris, Psepholax sulcatus, and Strongylopterus hylobioides.[31]

Species of gall fly from the family Cecidomyiidae use M. divaricata as a host plant by inducing and living in galls on the plant as larvae.[26]

Myrsine divaricata is regarded as good bee forage by farmers.[32] Bee species that are native and introduced to New Zealand will use this plant for pollen and nectar.[32]

True bugs have been found using M. divaricata as a host plant, specifically Toxoptera aurantii,[33] Aneurus (Aneurodellus) zealandensis,[34] Eriococcus setulosus,[35] Umbonichiton hymenantherae[36][37] Poliaspis media,[38] Leucaspis gigas, and Rastrococcus namartini.[26]

The nematode species Criconema (Criconema) spinicaudatumwill and Blandicephalanema nothofagi are associated with M. divaricata.[39]

Introduced mammals such as deers, chamois,[40] and goats[41] will predate M. divaricata. Common brush tailed possums will also predate M. divaricata, but this is very rare.[42] Despite being susceptible to mammalian browsing, M. divaricata is very tolerant because of its diveracate form.[40]

Plants known to parasitise Myrsine divaricata include mistletoes from the genus Korthalsella.[43] Both Korthalsella lindsayi, and Korthalsella clavata use M. divaricata as a host.[43]

Evolution

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The divaricate form in M. divaricata is theorised to have coevolved as defensive adaptation against the moa. It is believed that the divaricate form prevented heavy moa predation on leaves tightly held within the plant's branches.[25]

The stems of divaricate plant species also have almost twice the tensile strength of non-divaricate plant species on average.[44] Myrsine divaricata specifically has a stem tensile strength of 16.6 N/mm-2.[45] This means that it would take more strength for a moa to break the stems of divaricate plant species.[44]

Ostriches (an extant relative of moa) in cafeteria-style trials have showed to strongly select M. divaricata,[45] providing affirmation towards the fact that the divaricate form did not deter moa browsing, but was useful in preventing damage.

Chromosome number

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The chromosome number of M. divaricata is 2n = 46.[2]

References

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  1. ^ de Lange, P. J; Rolfe, J. R; Barkla, J. W; Courtney, S; Champion, P. D; Perrie, L. R; Beadel, S. M; Ford, K; Breitwieser, I; Schönberger, I; Hindmarsh-Walls, R (2018). Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2017. Wellington, New Zealand: Department of Conservation. OCLC 1041649797.
  2. ^ a b NZ Plant Conservation Network
  3. ^ Allen H. H (1982). Flora of New Zealand. Vol. 1. P D Hasselbery. p. 981.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Allan, H. H (1961). Flora of New Zealand. Wellington, New Zealand: R.E. Owen, Government Printer. ISBN 0477010415. OCLC 977216383.
  5. ^ a b c d e Dawson, J; Lucas, R (2012). Field guide to New Zealand's native trees. Nelson, New Zealand: Craig Potton. ISBN 978-1877517822. OCLC 816328841.
  6. ^ Hooker, J. D (2011). Handbook of the New Zealand flora : a systematic description of the native plants of New Zealand. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9781108030397. OCLC 748679155.
  7. ^ a b Dawson, J; Lucas, R (2000). Nature guide to the New Zealand forest. Auckland, New Zealand: Godwit. ISBN 9781869620554. OCLC 48928831.
  8. ^ a b c d Salmon, J. T (1986). The native trees of New Zealand (Rev ed.). Wellington, New Zealand: Heinemann Reed. ISBN 0790001047. OCLC 261361033.
  9. ^ a b Moore, L. B.; Irwin, J. B. (1978). The Oxford book of New Zealand plants. Wellington, New Zealand: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195580358. OCLC 3844208.
  10. ^ Dawson, John; Lucas, Rob; Connor, Jane; Sneddon, Barry (2019). New Zealand's native trees (Revised version ed.). Nelson, New Zealand: Potton & Burton. ISBN 9780947503987. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  11. ^ a b c Webb, C. J.; Simpson, M. J. A. (2001). Seeds of New Zealand gymnosperms and dicotyledons. Christchurch, New Zealand: Manuka Press. ISBN 9780958329934.
  12. ^ a b c d e f Burrows, C. J. (1996). "Germination behaviour of seeds of the New Zealand woody species Melicope simplex, Myoporum laetum, Myrsine divaricata, and Urtica ferox". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 34 (2): 205–213. doi:10.1080/0028825X.1996.10410685. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  13. ^ Poole, A. L; Adams, N. M (1994). West, C. J (ed.). Trees and shrubs of New Zealand (Rev ed.). Christchurch, New Zealand: Manaaki Whenua Press. ISBN 9780478045352.
  14. ^ Wilson, H. D.; Galloway, T. (1993). Small-leaved shrubs of New Zealand. Christchurch, New Zealand: Manuka Press. ISBN 0473018519.
  15. ^ Eagle, A (2006). Eagle's complete trees and shrubs of New Zealand : volume two. Wellington, New Zealand: Te Papa Press. ISBN 0909010080.
  16. ^ a b c Heenan, P. B.; de Lange, P. J. (2004). "Myrsine aquilonia and M. umbricola (Myrsinaceae), two new species from New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 42 (5): 753–769. doi:10.1080/0028825X.2004.9512929. ISSN 0028-825X. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  17. ^ Dale, E. E.; Larcombe, M. J.; Potter, B. C. M.; Lee, W. G. (January 2024). "Diversification and trait evolution in New Zealand woody lineages across changing biomes". Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 54 (1): 98–123. doi:10.1080/03036758.2022.2108071. PMC 11459814.
  18. ^ "Frost hollows". Manaaki Whenua. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  19. ^ "Nothofagus menziesii - Griselinia littoralis - Myrsine divaricata / Coprosma foetidissima forest". Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. Landcare Research. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  20. ^ a b "Nothofagus menziesii / Hoheria glabrata – Myrsine divaricata – Coprosma ciliata / Polystichum vestitum montane forest". Manaaki Whenua. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  21. ^ Newstrom-Lloyd, L. E. "POLLINATION IN NEW ZEALAND" (PDF). Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. Landcare Research. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  22. ^ Salmon, J. T. (1970). New Zealand flowers and plants in colour (2nd ed.). Wellington, New Zealand: Reed. ISBN 9780589010959. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  23. ^ McGlone, M. S.; Meurk, C. D. (2000). "Modern pollen rain, subantarctic Campbell Island, New Zealand" (PDF). New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 24 (2): 181–194.
  24. ^ O'Donnell, C. J.; Dilks, P. J (1994). "Foods and foraging of forest birds in temperate rain-forest, South Westland, New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 18 (2): 87–107.
  25. ^ a b Burrows, C. J. (1980). "SOME EMPIRICAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE DIET OF MOAS". New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 3: 125–130. ISSN 0110-6465.
  26. ^ a b c d e "PlantSynz - Host Report With Reasons". Plant-SyNZ. Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  27. ^ Dugdale, J. S. (2023). Declana and Ipana : (insecta: Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae) (PDF). Lincoln, New Zealand: Manaaki Whenua–Landcare Research.
  28. ^ Dugdale, J. S. (1971). "Entomology of the Auckland and other Islands south of New Zealand: Lepidoptera, excluding non-crambine Pyralidae". Pacific Insects Monograph. 27: 55–172.
  29. ^ Holloway, B. A. (1982). Anthribidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) (PDF). Wellington, New Zealand: Science Information Division, DSIR. ISBN 9780477067034.
  30. ^ Fox, K. J. (1982). "Entomology of the Egmont National Park". New Zealand Entomologist. 7 (3): 286–289. doi:10.1080/00779962.1982.9722400. ISSN 0077-9962. OCLC 4898012577.
  31. ^ Lyal, C. H. C. (1993). Cryptorhynchinae (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (PDF). Lincoln, New Zealand: Manaaki Whenua Press. ISBN 9780478045185.
  32. ^ a b Newstrom-Lloyd, L. E. (2013). Pollination in New Zealand (PDF). Lincoln, New Zealand: Manaaki Whenua Press.
  33. ^ "Aphids: Plant Health & Environment Laboratory, Auckland, New Zealand" (PDF). Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  34. ^ Heiss, E. (1998). "Review of the genus Aneurus from New Zealand with description of three new species (Heteroptera, Aradidae)". New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 25 (1): 29–42. doi:10.1080/03014223.1998.9518134.
  35. ^ Hoy, J. M. (1962). Eriococcidae (Homoptera: Coccoidea) of New Zealand. Wellington, New Zealand: New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
  36. ^ "Umbonichiton hymenantherae (Maskell)". Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  37. ^ Hodgson, C. J. (2000). Coccidae (Insecta: Hemiptera: Coccoidea). Lincoln, New Zealand: Manaaki Whenua Press. ISBN 0478093357.
  38. ^ Henderson, R. C. (2011). Diaspididae (Insecta:Hemiptera:Coccoidea) (PDF). Lincoln, New Zealand: Manaaki Whenua Press. ISBN 9780478347265.
  39. ^ Wouts, W. M. (2006). Criconematina (Nematoda:Tylenchida) (PDF). Lincoln, New Zealand: Manaaki Whenua Press. ISBN 9780478093810.
  40. ^ a b Wardle, J.; Hayward, J. (1970). "THE FORESTS AND SCRUBLANDS OF THE TARAMAKAU AND THE EFFECTS OF BROWSING BY DEER AND CHAMOIS". Proceedings (New Zealand Ecological Society) (17): 80–91. ISSN 0077-9946.
  41. ^ Pollock, M. L; Lee, W. G.; Walker, S.; Forrester, G. (2007). "Ratite and ungulate preferences for woody New Zealand plants: influence of chemical and physical traits". New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 31 (1): 68–78. ISSN 0110-6465.
  42. ^ COLEMAN, J. D.; GREEN, W. Q.; POLSON, J. G. (1985). "DIET OF BRUSHTAIL POSSUMS OVER A PASTURE-ALPINE GRADIENT IN WESTLAND, NEW ZEALAND". New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 8: 21–35.
  43. ^ a b Sultan, A.; Tate, J. A.; de Lange, P. J.; Glenny, D.; Ladley, J. J.; Heenan, P.; Robertson, A. W. (2018). "Host range, host specificity, regional host preferences and genetic variability of Korthalsella Tiegh. (Viscaceae) mistletoes in New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 56 (2): 127–162. doi:10.1080/0028825X.2018.1464476.
  44. ^ a b Howard, J.; Cameron, E.; Bellve, A.; Baba, Y.; Wright, S. (2022). "New Zealand divaricate plant species: Tensile strength and Remote Island occurrence". Austral Ecology. 47 (5): 1091–1100. doi:10.1111/aec.13198.
  45. ^ a b Pollock, M. L.; Lee, W. G.; Walker, S.; Forrester, G. (2007). "Ratite and ungulate preferences for woody New Zealand plants: influence of chemical and physical traits" (PDF). New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 31 (1): 68–78. ISSN 0110-6465.
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