Clade Monocots | Clade Angiosperms Genus Xeronema Rank Species | |
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Similar Xeronema, Xeronemataceae, Tecomanthe speciosa, Ranunculus acaulis, Rubus cissoides | ||
Xeronema callistemon is a species of flowering plant endemic to the Poor Knights Islands and Taranga Island in the north of New Zealand. It was discovered in 1924 and has a common name Poor Knights lily. The plant is listed as vulnerable in the 1997 IUCN Red List of Plants, but as of October 2010 is not listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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Etymology
The common name of the plant originates from the Poor Knights Islands on which it was discovered. The islands, in turn, were so named because of their similarity in shape to the Poor Knights Pudding – a bread-based dish popular at the time of their discovery by Europeans.
Structure
The green stalks of Xeronema callistemon start growing vertically. They then turn sideways, showing red flowers tipped with orange pollen and resemble a giant bottlebrush or toothbrush. The individual flower tepals are 10–15 mm long, and the length of the brush is usually between 18 and 25 cm (7.1 and 9.8 in) and can reach 45 cm (18 in). The plant itself is about 1 m (3.3 ft) tall and 1–4 m (3.3–13.1 ft) wide.
Habitat
Xeronema callistemon usually grows on rhyolite sea cliffs and rocky outcrops and sometimes in forest. It requires much water and is pollinated by birds and butterflies. If its seed falls on a nearby tree, such as Metrosideros excelsa, then it may grow as an epiphyte on it. The species has no obvious natural enemies and is listed as vulnerable because it grows naturally only on two islands. These islands are protected by the New Zealand Government as nature reserves and have a limited access. However, the plant is becoming popular for cultivation in private gardens. A related species, Xeronema moorei, is found on the islands of New Caledonia, 1500 km to the northwest.
Growth
Plants grow from fresh falling seeds. Although they germinate easily, it might take 10–15 years for them to grow into the flowering size. They flower between September and December, peaking in October (spring in New Zealand).
