Species of flowering plant
Parsonsia praeruptis is a non-twining, non-climbing Parsonsia,[1] endemic to New Zealand and is a member of the dogbane family Apocynaceae.[2][3] It is found only in the shrubland of the Surville Cliffs, North Cape Peninsula, where it scrambles through "openly branched, prostrate windswept shrub(s)".[1]
Possums attack buds, flowers and fruits of this species and where baiting for possums is not possible this plant is in decline because of possum browsing pressure.[4]
Taxonomy
Parsonsia praeruptis was first described by P.J. de Lange and M.J. Heads in 1999.[3][1]
Etymology
The specific epithet, praeruptis. derives from the Latin, praeruptus, dative or ablative plural for hasty, rash or precipitate.[5]
Conservation status
Its status is "Threatened — Nationally Critical".[2]
See also
References
External links