User:J.Robertson 007/sandbox
Richea pandanifolia (Pandani or Giant Grass Tree) is a species of large flowering plant, which is endemic to south-western Tasmania, Australia[1].
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| Branched Richea pandanifolia at Mount Field National Park | |
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| Species: | R. pandanifolia
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| Richea pandanifolia | |
Description
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Like all members of the Richea genus, pandanifolia has the appearance of rigid grass/sedge like leaves that sprout from the top of a stem which is comprised of the vascular tissue of previous generations of leaves, evident of the leaf scars present on the stems throughout this genus. The leaves are up to 1.5m[1] in length and taper towards the end of the leaf, which generally causes a spiral to form at the tip of the leaf.
To survive in south-west Tasmania due to vast weather changes, pandanifolia are generally quite frost hardy plants and can easily survive conditions down to -6oC without sustaining any long term damage.
A feature that sets pandanifolia apart from other Richea species is the immense size that it can achieve. Where other members of this genus are quite modest in size, pandanifolia can obtain heights up to 12m[1]. To obtain this height they need an average rainfall above 800mm and be sheltered from harsh conditions. An example of this is the pandanifolia's found throughout the lower slopes of the Mount Field National Park. These specimens are sheltered from the wind, by the wind break created from the mountain, along with the high rainfall in this area, allow the plants throughout this region to commonly obtain heights over 8m.
Reproductive apparatus
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Richea pandanifolia reproduces by the fertilization of the ovum, held within the gametophytic tissue present in the flowers. These flowers are produced on specially adapted branches called panicles (approx 25cm long)[1]. These panicles are only present when the plant is flowering, and are a means of housing the adaptive structures which give rise to the ability to produce the flowers and berries necessary for the plants' reproduction.
The flowers produced by padanifolia are small (i.e. 2-3mm in length) and are generally either red or white[1]. After fertilization the flowers give way to small true berries (2-3mm in diameter) which are bright red in colour.
Taxonomy
[edit]The species was first formally described by botanist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker (the assistant director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew from 1865-1885)[2] in 1844 in The botany of the Antarctic voyage of H.M. discovery ships Erebus and Terror. I. Flora Antarctica . The species was reported to be found in 'Tasmania; Port Davy, Peak of Teneriffe, Frenchman's Cap, and several other mountainous situations, especially in the southern parts of the island.' [3]
Derivation Of Name
[edit]The name of pandanifolia was derived from the similarity of the leaf structure and growth habit, with plants from the distantly related genus Pandanus. [3]
Distribution
[edit]Richea pandanifolia is found most commonly throughout the wet mountain forests with annual rain fall >1000mm, particularly in the sub alpine to alpine (600-1200m) regions of south-west Tasmania.[1] They thrive on the Cambrian soil substrates found throughout this region. These soils were created by ancient volcanic eruptions, leading to fertile soils which allows Richea pandanifolia to achieve their full height. They can also be found in the low lying and coastal regions of south-west Tasmania, although they do not achieve their full height and grow in a generally robust and more branched nature.[4]
Cultivation
[edit]Although a relatively hardy plant, which is rather easy to grow, pandanifolia is rarely cultivated. However, when cultivated it is most commonly grown from seed, as propagating from cuttings is generally not successful. When growing pandanifolia, it can be grown in either the ground or in a pot. It needs to be grown in sheltered, cool, fertile soils with reasonable drainage in order for the plants to prosper.[1]
Hybrid
[edit]A unique feature with pandanifolia is that it forms a hybrid with Richea scoparia. This hybrid, Richea curtisae[5], at a glance looks like a juvenile pandanifolia, due to its similar leaf structure and flower/fruit (structure and colour). However, this hybrid can be identified by its overall tendency to form a more shrublike plant and the location of the flowers. Unlike in pandanifolia where the flowers are produced in the marginal regions between leaves, the panicle of curtisea is produced from the apex of the plant.
External Links
[edit]- Australian National Plants Society [1]
- Encylcopedia Brtannica, Joseph Dalton Hooker.[2]
- National species list [3]
- Richea pandanifolia, Key to Tasmanian Dicots[4]
- Richea Curtisiae, UTas Field Botany[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h "Richea Pandanifolia". Australian Native Plants Society. April 2009. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
- ^ a b "Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker". Encyclopedia Britannica. September 9, 2013. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
- ^ a b c "Richea Pandanifolia, Hook f." National Species List. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
- ^ a b "Richea pandanifolia (Ericaceae)". Key to Tasmanian Dicots. 2011. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
- ^ a b "Richea curtisiae". Retrieved March 23, 2015.