Anisotome latifolia

Anisotome latifolia, commonly known as the Campbell Island carrot, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae.

Campbell Island carrot
Anisotome latifolia on Campbell Island, with Bulbinella rossii in the background
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Anisotome
Species:
A. latifolia
Binomial name
Anisotome latifolia
Synonyms
  • Ligusticum latifolium (Hook.f.) Hook.f.
  • Calosciadium latifolium (Hook.f.) Endl. ex Walp.
  • Aciphylla latifolia (Hook.f.) Cockayne

Description

Anisotome latifolia is a large and robust perennial herb, growing up to 2 m in height. The leathery basal leaves are 300–600 mm long and 100–200 mm wide, 2-pinnate with 5-7 pairs of dark to yellow-green leaflets. The inflorescence axis grows up to 2 m, with a 10–15 mm diameter at the first node. The flowers vary from off-white to a creamy pink in colour. The plant flowers from October to February and fruits from January to March.[1]

Distribution and habitat

The plant is endemic to New Zealand’s subantarctic Auckland and Campbell Islands, where it is a striking component of the megaherb community. It occurs from the coast up to the tops of the island ranges on peaty ground among tussocks and other megaherbs, though more rarely under low forest. It is most abundant at lower altitudes and where the vegetation is not subject to browsing by introduced animals.[1]

Lithograph in Curtis's Botanical Magazine by John Nugent Fitch from drawing by Matilda Smith, 1911

Cultivation

The plant is easy to grow from fresh seed in deep, peaty, permanently moist soil, though it does not tolerate hot weather.[1]

References
  1. de Lange, P.J. (2007-04-14). "Anisotome latifolia". line. New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved 2014-07-06.


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