Azorella macquariensis

Azorella macquariensis
Azorella macquariensis cushion plant on Macquarie Island.
Conservation status
Critically endangered  (EPBC Act)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Apiales
Family:	Apiaceae
Genus:	Azorella
Species:	A. macquariensis
Binomial name
Azorella macquariensis Orchard, 1989[2]

Azorella macquariensis, also known as Macquarie azorella or Macquarie cushions, is a species of cushion plant endemic to Australia’s subantarctic Macquarie Island. It was referred to the more widely distributed Azorella selago until 1989, when it was described as a separate species.[3]

Description

Azorella macquariensis is a perennial cushion-forming herb. Individuals form cushions and mats that may vary in size from a few centimetres to several metres in diameter and up to 60 cm in height. It is a keystone species dominating Macquarie's feldmark habitat, in which it is the only vascular plant, forming a major structural component of the vegetation. The feldmark community covers about half the island in the most wind-exposed areas of the plateau some 200–400 m above sea level. The plant flowers from December to February and fruits from January to April. It turns brown and ceases to grow during winter (from June to August).[3]

Conservation status

Azorella macquariensis has suffered a catastrophic decline due to dieback from unknown causes, first noticed in December 2008, and is considered to be endangered.[3] As of August 2010^[update] it is listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act.[1]

References

Notes

1. Azorella macquariensis, Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment and Heritage, Australia.
2. Orchard (1989)
3. Tasmanian Threatened Species Notesheet (2009)

Sources

• Orchard, A.E. (1989). "Azorella Lamarek (Hydrocotylaceae) on Heard and Macquarie Islands". Muelleria. 7: 16–18.
• "Azorella macquariensis – Macquarie cushions" (PDF). Tasmanian Threatened Species Notesheet. Department of Primary Industries and Water, Tasmania. 2009. Retrieved 2010-09-22.