Common mountain daisy (Celmisia spectabilis, Fl. Antarct. 1: 35 (1844))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Hook.f.

Bibliography: Fl. Antarct. 1: 35 (1844)

Year: 1844

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Celmisia

Vegetable: False

Observations: New Zealand

Description

The Common mountain daisy, scientifically known as Celmisia spectabilis, is a captivating perennial herb native to the striking landscapes of New Zealand. First documented by Hook.f. in the mid-19th century, specifically in the Flora Antarctica in 1844, this plant is a notable member of the Asteraceae family, which includes a vast array of daisy species.

Celmisia spectabilis thrives in alpine and subalpine regions, where it plays a crucial role in the ecological tapestry of its native land. This species is renowned for its striking appearance, characterized by silvery foliage and robust daisy-like flowers. The leaves of the common mountain daisy are typically long, narrow, and covered with a dense layer of fine, silvery hairs that provide a shimmering aesthetic and protect the plant from harsh climatic conditions.

The flower heads are a distinctive feature, showcasing a central disc of yellow florets surrounded by radiating, pure white petals, which can stand out vividly against the often rocky and sparse alpine terrain. These flowers not only add to the scenic beauty but also attract a variety of pollinators, thus playing an integral role in the local biodiversity network.

Celmisia spectabilis is well-adapted to its rigorous environment, capable of withstanding cold temperatures and thriving in well-drained, gritty soils typically found in mountainous areas. Its survival and proliferation are a testament to the unique evolutionary adaptations that native flora in New Zealand have developed.

Observations of the common mountain daisy in its natural habitat provide researchers and botanists with invaluable insights into alpine plant ecology and the adaptability of species in response to environmental pressures. The presence of Celmisia spectabilis contributes to the overall resilience and stability of alpine ecosystems, making it a vital subject of continuous study and conservation efforts.

In summary, the common mountain daisy, or Celmisia spectabilis, remains a beloved and iconic plant within New Zealand’s flora. Its early documentation by Hook.f. and ongoing observations underscore its importance both in scientific research and in the natural splendor of New Zealand’s majestic mountainous regions.

Common Names

Swe: celmisia
Eng: common mountain daisy, cotton daisy, mountain daisy, cotton plant
Mri: matua-tikumu, puakaito, pūharetāiko, pūheretāiko, pūwharetāiko, tikumu
En: Common mountain daisy, Cotton daisy, Mountain daisy, Cotton plant
Mi: Matua-tikumu, Puakaito, Pūharetāiko, Pūheretāiko, Pūwharetāiko, Tikumu
Sv: Celmisia

Synonyms

Distribution

• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Dec 23, 2018 by Helmut Schütz (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 5, 2022 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2022 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2022 by bernard Parrin (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5929304)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:189721-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Celmisia spectabilis Hook.f.)

Specifications

Growth