Species

Trisetum spicatum

Etymology

Trisetum: Three-bristled
spicatum: Grows ears (like corn), in spikes

Current Conservation Status

2012 - Not Threatened

Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2012
The conservation status of all known New Zealand vascular plant taxa at the rank of species and below were reassessed in 2012 using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS). This report includes a statistical summary and brief notes on changes since 2009 and replaces all previous NZTCS lists for vascular plants. Authors: Peter J. de Lange, Jeremy R. Rolfe, Paul D. Champion, Shannel P. Courtney, Peter B. Heenan, John W. Barkla, Ewen K. Cameron, David A. Norton and Rodney A. Hitchmough. File size: 792KB

Previous Conservation Status

2009 - Not Threatened
2004 - Not Threatened

Authority

Trisetum spicatum (L.) K.Richt.

Family

Poaceae

Flora Category

Vascular - Native

NVS Species Code

TRISPI

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.

Structural Class

Grasses

Synonyms

Aira spicata L., A. subspicata L., Trisetum subspicata (L.) P. Beauv.

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.

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.

Threats

Not Threatened

Chromosome No.

2n = 28

Endemic Taxon

No

Endemic Genus

No

Endemic Family

No

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

This page last updated on 20 Jan 2014