Parsonsia praeruptis explained

Parsonsia praeruptis is a non-twining, non-climbing Parsonsia, endemic to New Zealand and is a member of the dogbane family Apocynaceae.^{[1] [2]} It is found only in the shrubland of the Surville Cliffs, North Cape Peninsula, where it scrambles through "openly branched, prostrate windswept shrub(s)".

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.^[3]

Taxonomy

Parsonsia praeruptis was first described by P.J. de Lange and M.J. Heads in 1999.^[2]

Etymology

The specific epithet, praeruptis. derives from the Latin, praeruptus, dative or ablative plural for hasty, rash or precipitate.

Conservation status

Its status is "Threatened Nationally Critical".^[1]

See also

• Flora of New Zealand

External links

• Parsonsia praeruptis: Images & occurrence data from GBIF

Notes and References

1. Web site: Parsonsia praeruptis. New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. 2024-02-20.
2. Web site: Parsonsia praeruptis Heads & P.J.de Lange Plants of the World Online Kew Science . 2024-02-20 . Plants of the World Online . en.
3. Web site: Lange . Peter de . Peter de Lange (botanist). October 2016 . Parsonsia praeruptis (observation: 4287164) . 2024-02-20 . iNaturalist . en.