Linum monogynum
| Linum monogynum | |
|---|---|
| |
| Linum monogynum var. chathamicum | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Linaceae |
| Genus: | Linum |
| Species: | L. monogynum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Linum monogynum | |
Linum monogynum, the rauhuia or New Zealand linen flax,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the family Linaceae, which is endemic to New Zealand. It is a low-growing short-lived perennial or woody subshrub, growing up to 16 in (41 cm) tall. Its spear-shaped, leathery-gray to green leaves are 0.2–1 inches (5–25 mm) long. Its pretty white flowers are up to 1 in (2.5 cm) in diameter, and have five overlapping petals. It is monoecious, having both male and female organs on one plant (hence the Latin specific epithet monogynum, literally "single wife").[2]
Separate populations on Chatham Island are more robust with blue-white flowers, and may be referred to as L. monogynum var. chathamicum. There may also be variations amongst the mainland populations.[3]
This tough compact plant is well able to cope with the harsh conditions of New Zealand's coasts, often with gale-force salt-laden winds. It is a close relative to the true flax of the Northern Hemisphere, Linum usitatissimum, but is not closely related to the much better-known plants called New Zealand flax (species in the genus Phormium).[1]
References
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External links
[edit | edit source]
- The Plant List entry
- Hebe Society (New Zealand) entry
- Te Motu Kairangi description
- Plants for a Future entry
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