Pimelea prostrata explained

Pimelea prostrata, commonly known as Strathmore weed, New Zealand Daphne, and Pinātoro (Māori) is a species of small shrub, of the family Thymelaeaceae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has small white flowers and blue green leaves.[1] [2]

Description

Pimelea prostrata is a low growing Prostrate shrub. It has blue green leaves and small white flowers.[3] Its stems range from 30 to 60 cm long, depending on the variety.

Classification

Pimelea prostrata has five subspecies:[4]

Etymology

Pimelea is the shortened version of the Greek: Pimeleoides, which means "resembling Pimelea," a genus in the family Thymelaeaceae, prostrata describes the way in which it grows; Prostrate lying flat on the ground.

Toxins

Like many species of Pimelea, it is poisonous to animals, particularly horses. It was originally used as a source of the toxin prostratin, which can serve as a tumor-inhibiting agent.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Strathmore Weed. 2012-06-09. Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
  2. Web site: Pimelea prostrata subsp. prostrata. 2020-12-23. New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. en.
  3. Web site: Pimelea prostrata subsp. prostrata. New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. 16 March 2016. 6 December 2014.
  4. Web site: Flora search results. 2020-12-23. New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. en.