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{{Short description|Species of flowering plant}}
{{Short description|Species of flowering plant}}

<noinclude>{{Requested move notice|1=Pseudopanax colensoi|2=Talk:Neopanax colensoi#Requested move 6 October 2024}}
</noinclude>
{{Use New Zealand English|date=July 2024}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=July 2024}}
{{Speciesbox
{{Speciesbox
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|genus = Neopanax
|genus = Neopanax
|species = colensoi
|species = colensoi
|authority = ([[Hook.f.]]) Allan (1961)<ref name = powo/>
|authority = {{small|(Hook.f.) Philipson (1965)}}
|synonyms =
|synonyms =
*''Nothopanax colensoi'' {{small|(Hook.f.) Seem. (1866)}}
*''Nothopanax colensoi'' {{small|(Hook.f.) Seem. (1866)}}
⚫
*''Neopanax colensoi'' {{small|([[Hook.f.]]) Allan (1961)}}
*''Neopanax colensoi'' var. ''montanus'' {{small|Allan (1961)}}
*''Neopanax colensoi'' var. ''montanus'' {{small|Allan (1961)}}
*''Panax colensoi'' {{small|Hook.f. (1852)}}
*''Panax colensoi'' {{small|Hook.f. (1852)}}
*''Panax colensoi'' var. ''montanus'' {{small|Kirk (1899)}}
*''Panax colensoi'' var. ''montanus'' {{small|Kirk (1899)}}
⚫
*''Pseudopanax colensoi'' {{small|(Hook.f.) Philipson (1965)}}
*''Pseudopanax colensoi'' var. ''fiordensis'' {{small|Wardle (1968)}}
*''Pseudopanax colensoi'' var. ''fiordensis'' {{small|Wardle (1968)}}
*''Pseudopanax colensoi'' var. ''ternatus'' {{small|Wardle (1968)}}
*''Pseudopanax colensoi'' var. ''ternatus'' {{small|Wardle (1968)}}
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}}
}}


'''''Neopanax colensoi'',''' commonly known as the '''mountain fivefinger''' in English and {{lang|mi|orihou}} in Māori, is an [[Endemism|endemic]] species to [[New Zealand]]. It is a shrub that can often grow into a small canopy tree, and is found in high altitude environments in its preferred areas around New Zealand.
'''''Pseudopanax colensoi''''', commonly known as the '''mountain fivefinger''' in English and {{lang|mi|orihou}} in Māori, is an [[Endemism|endemic]] species to [[New Zealand]]. It is a shrub that can often grow into a small canopy tree, and is found in high altitude environments in its preferred areas around New Zealand. It is a member of the ''[[Neopanax]]'' clade, and is referred to by some sources as '''''Neopanax colensoi'''''.


== Description ==
== Description ==
''Neopanax colensoi'' is a shrub that can often grow into a small canopy tree that has big glossy yellowish green leaves with purplish stalks.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Foster |first=T |title=Te Whakapapa o nga Rakau: Interpreting the Special Features of Native Plants |publisher=Plant Heritage New Zealand |year=2012 |pages=7–207 |language=English}}</ref> Each leaflet measures 12–25&nbsp;cm long and around 5–10&nbsp;cm wide or more.<ref name=":0" /> Each leaf has five to seven leaflets.<ref name=":0" /> The leaves are toothed/serrated along their edges.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Lehnebach & Meudt |first=C & H |title=Native Plants of Aotearoa |publisher=Te Papa Press |year=2022 |location=Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series, Wellington}}</ref> With large spreading branches and compound petiole leaves, ''Neopanax colensoi'' can grow up to around 8 meters tall.<ref name=":1" /> The growth form of a ''Neopanax colensoi'' is a shrub and can often grow into small canopy trees, other species of ''Neopanax'' can be shrubs used in some landscaping. Some people prune the roots of the plants but to prune the roots of a ''Neopanax colensoi'' would dramatically affect how much they grow.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Going Native |title=Going Native Making use of New Zealand Plants |publisher=University of Canterbury |year=2004 |location=Christchurch}}</ref> A cluster of whiteish-green flowers grow in clusters of 10-15 that look like little umbrellas. The clusters grow into bigger clusters on the purplish stalks of the plant as they grow.<ref name=":1" /> The flowers then produce fruit that is either all male or all females. Female fruit is much darker in colour and less than 1&nbsp;cm in diameter.<ref name=":1" />
''Pseudopanax colensoi'' is a shrub that can often grow into a small canopy tree that has big glossy yellowish green leaves with purplish stalks.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Foster |first=T |title=Te Whakapapa o nga Rakau: Interpreting the Special Features of Native Plants |publisher=Plant Heritage New Zealand |year=2012 |pages=7–207 |language=English}}</ref> Each leaflet measures 12–25&nbsp;cm long and around 5–10&nbsp;cm wide or more.<ref name=":0" /> Each leaf has five to seven leaflets.<ref name=":0" /> The leaves are toothed/serrated along their edges.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Lehnebach & Meudt |first=C & H |title=Native Plants of Aotearoa |publisher=Te Papa Press |year=2022 |location=Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series, Wellington}}</ref> With large spreading branches and compound petiole leaves, ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' can grow up to around 8 meters tall.<ref name=":1" /> The growth form of a ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' is a shrub and can often grow into small canopy trees, other species of ''Neopanax'' can be shrubs used in some landscaping. Some people prune the roots of the plants but to prune the roots of a ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' would dramatically affect how much they grow.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Going Native |title=Going Native Making use of New Zealand Plants |publisher=University of Canterbury |year=2004 |location=Christchurch}}</ref> A cluster of whiteish-green flowers grow in clusters of 10-15 that look like little umbrellas. The clusters grow into bigger clusters on the purplish stalks of the plant as they grow.<ref name=":1" /> The flowers then produce fruit that is either all male or all females. Female fruit is much darker in colour and less than 1&nbsp;cm in diameter.<ref name=":1" />

⚫
''Pseudopanax colensoi'' is commonly known as the mountain fivefinger because it looks like a hand since it has five leaves. The middle leaf of the ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' is the longest, resembling an index finger, and the leaves get smaller from there resembling the thumb and pinky finger on the human hand.


== Range ==
== Range ==


=== Natural global range ===
=== Natural global range ===
''Neopanax colensoi'' is endemic to New Zealand. Between the years 2004–2017, ''Neopanax colensoi'' has not been a threatened species <ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=NZPCN |first=New Zealand Plant Conservation Network |title=Peseudopanax colensoi var. colensoi |url=https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/pseudopanax-colensoi-var-colensoi/ |website=New Zealand Plant Conservation Network}}</ref>''.'' There are currently three subspecific taxa in New Zealand for ''Neopanax colensoi''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pseudopanax colensoi. |url=https://www.nzflora.info/factsheet/Taxon/Pseudopanax-colensoi.html |website=NZ Flora}}</ref> ''Neopanax colensoi'' naturally occurs around New Zealand. Throughout the Nelson and Marlborough region the ''Neopanax colensoi'' occurs from sea level up to over 1,200 m above sea level.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last=Wardle |first=P |title=The taxonomy and distribution of the stipulate species of pseudopanax in New Zealand |journal=New Zealand Journal of Botany |date=1968 |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=226–236|doi=10.1080/0028825X.1968.10429060 }}</ref> ''Neopanax colensoi'' is a common species that does extremely well in New Zealand's various climates.
''Pseudopanax colensoi'' is endemic to New Zealand. Between the years 2004–2017, ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' has not been a threatened species <ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=NZPCN |first=New Zealand Plant Conservation Network |title=Peseudopanax colensoi var. colensoi |url=https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/pseudopanax-colensoi-var-colensoi/ |website=New Zealand Plant Conservation Network}}</ref>''.'' There are currently three subspecific taxa in New Zealand for ''Pseudopanax colensoi''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pseudopanax colensoi. |url=https://www.nzflora.info/factsheet/Taxon/Pseudopanax-colensoi.html |website=NZ Flora}}</ref> ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' naturally occurs around New Zealand. Throughout the Nelson and Marlborough region the ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' occurs from sea level up to over 1,200 m above sea level.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last=Wardle |first=P |title=The taxonomy and distribution of the stipulate species of pseudopanax in New Zealand |journal=New Zealand Journal of Botany |date=1968 |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=226–236|doi=10.1080/0028825X.1968.10429060 }}</ref> It is a common species that does extremely well in New Zealand's various climates.


=== New Zealand range ===
=== New Zealand range ===
''Neopanax colensoi'' is a common species in New Zealand and is found all over the country but more commonly in some specific areas. There are ''Neopanax colensoi'' populations located throughout New Zealand, particularly in and around the Otago, [[Dunedin]] area on the east coast of the South Island and south of [[Banks Peninsula]] in Canterbury. It is occasionally found in the North Island along the [[Coromandel Range]].<ref name=":3" /> ''Neopanax colensoi'' var. ''colensoi'' is seemingly absent from the West Coast of the South Island.<ref name=":3" />
''Pseudopanax colensoi'' is a common species in New Zealand and is found all over the country but more commonly in some specific areas. There are ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' populations located throughout New Zealand, particularly in and around the Otago, [[Dunedin]] area on the east coast of the South Island and south of [[Banks Peninsula]] in Canterbury. It is occasionally found in the North Island along the [[Coromandel Range]].<ref name=":3" /> ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' var. ''colensoi'' is seemingly absent from the West Coast of the South Island.<ref name=":3" />


== Habitat ==
== Habitat ==
''Neopanax colensoi'' has certain preferred habitats. ''Neopanax colensoi'' var. ''colensoi'' is found in mountainous areas between 300 and 800 meters above sea level and low alpine forests and scrubland,<ref name=":3" /> while other varieties like ''ternatus'' can grown at higher elevations. When one species is taken away from a populated area of ''Neopanax colensoi'' it is quickly replaced with most commonly another from the same family.<ref name=":4" /> ''Neopanax colensoi'' likes to live in areas that are away from water but in an area with nutrient rich soils. Different species of ''Neopanax'' do well in different habitats. Some do well in poor soil conditions, dry shaded areas, with a divaricating habitat. Others are used in gardens as decorative plants taking up little room. Some ''Neopanax'' do well in nurseries for vegetation cover <ref>{{Cite book |last=Cave & Paddison |first=Y & V |title=The Gardener's Encyclopaedia of New Zealand Native Plants |publisher=Random House New Zealand |location=Auckland |publication-date=1999}}</ref>''.''
''Pseudopanax colensoi'' has certain preferred habitats. ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' var. ''colensoi'' is found in mountainous areas between 300 and 800 meters above sea level and low alpine forests and scrubland,<ref name=":3" /> while other varieties like ''ternatus'' can grown at higher elevations. When one species is taken away from a populated area of ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' it is quickly replaced with most commonly another from the same family.<ref name=":4" /> ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' likes to live in areas that are away from water but in an area with nutrient rich soils. Different species of ''Neopanax'' do well in different habitats. Some do well in poor soil conditions, dry shaded areas, with a divaricating habitat. Others are used in gardens as decorative plants taking up little room. Some ''Neopanax'' do well in nurseries for vegetation cover.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Cave & Paddison |first=Y & V |title=The Gardener's Encyclopaedia of New Zealand Native Plants |publisher=Random House New Zealand |location=Auckland |publication-date=1999}}</ref>


== Ecology ==
== Ecology ==


=== Life cycle/Phenology ===
=== Life cycle and phenology ===
The most common form of plant dispersal is through either wind, water, or animals. Different plants disperse their seeds further away from it or drop their seeds onto an animal so it can move around and give the seeds a better survival chance. For ''Neopanax colensoi'' the phenology of germination for the seed is very important. The seed needs the soil to be at a cold temperature and a little bit damp for 1–3 months which gives the seed a better germination rate which occurs within those 1–3 months.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last=Metcalf |first=L |title=The Propagation of New Zealand Native Plants |publisher=Random House New Zealand |year=2007 |location=Auckland}}</ref> ''Neopanax colensoi'' seeds take around 6 months to germinate because it needs the correct temperatures.<ref name=":5" /> Most species of ''Neopanax'' have their fruit ripen between January and April in the summer to autumn months.<ref name=":5" /> The seeds of ''Neopanax colensoi'' do not have good storage capacity.<ref name=":5" /> The ''Neopanax colensoi'' flowers and fruits between October and March. ''Neopanax colensoi'' produce flowers that are a creamy greenish colour.<ref name=":3" /> When the fruit is ripe, it turns a dark purple colour, and there are only two seeds per fruit.<ref name=":3" /> The average life span of a ''Neopanax'' species is around 15–20 years.<ref name=":2" />
The most common form of plant dispersal is through either wind, water, or animals. Different plants disperse their seeds further away from it or drop their seeds onto an animal so it can move around and give the seeds a better survival chance. For ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' the phenology of germination for the seed is very important. The seed needs the soil to be at a cold temperature and a little bit damp for 1–3 months which gives the seed a better germination rate which occurs within those 1–3 months.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last=Metcalf |first=L |title=The Propagation of New Zealand Native Plants |publisher=Random House New Zealand |year=2007 |location=Auckland}}</ref> ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' seeds take around 6 months to germinate because it needs the correct temperatures.<ref name=":5" /> Most species of ''Neopanax'' have their fruit ripen between January and April in the summer to autumn months.<ref name=":5" /> The seeds of ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' do not have good storage capacity.<ref name=":5" /> The ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' flowers and fruits between October and March. ''Neopanax colensoi'' produce flowers that are a creamy greenish colour.<ref name=":3" /> When the fruit is ripe, it turns a dark purple colour, and there are only two seeds per fruit.<ref name=":3" /> The average life span of a ''Neopanax'' species is around 15–20 years.<ref name=":2" />


=== Diet and foraging ===
=== Diet and foraging ===
''Neopanax colensoi'' and other ''Neopanax'' species can handle a wide range of different soil types but it most commonly likes and gets planted in soils that have poor structure. This is because they help with erosion control in areas that have poorly structured soil.<ref name=":6">{{Cite book |last=Crowe |first=A |title=Which Native Plant can I grow here |publisher=Penguin Group |year=2004 |location=Auckland}}</ref> Different species like a different amount of water; some ''Neopanax'' species like dry soils and others tolerate wet soils. ''Neopanax colensoi'' doesn't mind either wet soils or dry soils as long as the environmental conditions are right.<ref name=":6" /> ''Neopanax colensoi'' seedlings need certain soil mixes to germinate, which can be either potting mixes, pricking out mixes, rooting mixes, seed sowing mixes and soil.<ref name=":5" /> Adding materials such as bark, peat, sawdust, perlite, pumice, vermiculite, sand, and grit to the soil can provide nutrients and improve the chances of survival in a ''Neopanax colensoi'' plant''.''
''Pseudopanax colensoi'' and other ''Neopanax'' species can handle a wide range of different soil types but it most commonly likes and gets planted in soils that have poor structure. This is because they help with erosion control in areas that have poorly structured soil.<ref name=":6">{{Cite book |last=Crowe |first=A |title=Which Native Plant can I grow here |publisher=Penguin Group |year=2004 |location=Auckland}}</ref> Different species like a different amount of water; some ''Neopanax'' species like dry soils and others tolerate wet soils. ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' doesn't mind either wet soils or dry soils as long as the environmental conditions are right.<ref name=":6" /> ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' seedlings need certain soil mixes to germinate, which can be either potting mixes, pricking out mixes, rooting mixes, seed sowing mixes and soil.<ref name=":5" /> Adding materials such as bark, peat, sawdust, perlite, pumice, vermiculite, sand, and grit to the soil can provide nutrients and improve the chances of survival in a ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' plant.

⚫
=== Predators, Parasites, and Diseases ===
⚫
''Neopanax colensoi'' is a fast-growing native plant that attracts a wide range of different birds which eat its fruit during October and March.<ref name=":6" /> There are many diseases, parasites and predators that can harm any native species and have many devastating impacts. Some examples of different fungi that affect ''Neopanax colensoi'' are phytophthora, pythium, grey mould, root rot and rhizoctonia.<ref name=":5" /> ''Neopanax colensoi'' seedlings and mature trees are highly vulnerable to the damaging effects of various types of fungi. Unfortunately, once these fungi have infected the ''Neopanax colensoi'', it can be difficult to salvage the plant and get it back to a healthy state. In this case, the only option is to remove the entire plant to prevent the fungi from spreading and causing further harm to other species around it.<ref name=":5" /> Leaf spots on young ''Neopanax colensoi'' seedlings can be a significant issue in certain regions around New Zealand, infecting the leaves and harming seedlings and fully grown plants.<ref name=":5" /> Possums, aphids, mice, slugs, snails, woodlice, caterpillars, and grubs are some pests that can cause harm to ''Neopanax colensoi ''.<ref name=":5" /> Possums pose a significant threat to native plants due to their destructive nature and potential to spread diseases. Their destructive nature causes them to tear up ''Neopanax colensoi'' trees and can cause serious harm to ''Neopanax colensoi'' when it comes to growth and the overall health of the ''Neopanax colensoi'' plant. ''Neopanax colensoi'' have a common predator like many other plants, the red deer ''[[Red deer|(Cervus elaphus)]]'' <ref name=":7">{{Cite book |last=Mark & Baylis |first=A.F & G.T.S |title=Further Studies On The Impact Of Deer On Secretary Island, Fiordland, New Zealand |publisher=Botany Department University of Otago |year=1982 |location=Dunedin}}</ref>''.'' Deer particularly sought after different varieties of ''Neopanax colensoi'' <ref name=":7" />''.'' Deer strip all the bark off ''Neopanax colensoi,'' affecting its strength and causing it to become brittle and break.<ref name=":7" /> Most ''Neopanax colensoi'' become leafless and die but those over 40&nbsp;cm often remain untouched by red deer <ref name=":7" />''.'' ''Neopanax colensoi'' lives in areas that vary depending on rainfall, sunlight, oceanic climate, wind, and snow. In these varied climates, there is a huge range of predators that can affect ''Neopanax colensoi''. In different areas some predators that would disturb ''Neopanax colensoi'' would be common predators such as [[Common brushtail possum in New Zealand|possums]], [[rat]]s, [[wasp]]s, [[wild goat]]s, [[hedgehog]]s, and [[ant]]s (Animal pests and threats A-Z). These pests cause great disturbance to the ''Neopanax colensoi and the'' ecosystems that they live in.


⚫
=== Predators, parasites, and diseases ===
== Interesting Facts ==
⚫
''Pseudopanax colensoi'' is a fast-growing native plant that attracts a wide range of different birds which eat its fruit during October and March.<ref name=":6" /> There are many diseases, parasites and predators that can harm any native species and have many devastating impacts. Some examples of different fungi that affect ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' are phytophthora, pythium, grey mould, root rot and rhizoctonia.<ref name=":5" /> ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' seedlings and mature trees are highly vulnerable to the damaging effects of various types of fungi. Unfortunately, once these fungi have infected the ''Pseudopanax colensoi'', it can be difficult to salvage the plant and get it back to a healthy state. In this case, the only option is to remove the entire plant to prevent the fungi from spreading and causing further harm to other species around it.<ref name=":5" /> Leaf spots on young ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' seedlings can be a significant issue in certain regions around New Zealand, infecting the leaves and harming seedlings and fully grown plants.<ref name=":5" /> Possums, aphids, mice, slugs, snails, woodlice, caterpillars, and grubs are some pests that can cause harm to ''Pseudopanax colensoi''.<ref name=":5" /> Possums pose a significant threat to native plants due to their destructive nature and potential to spread diseases. Their destructive nature causes them to tear up ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' trees and can cause serious harm to ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' when it comes to growth and the overall health of the ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' plant. ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' have a common predator like many other plants, the red deer ''[[Red deer|(Cervus elaphus)]]'' <ref name=":7">{{Cite book |last=Mark & Baylis |first=A.F & G.T.S |title=Further Studies On The Impact Of Deer On Secretary Island, Fiordland, New Zealand |publisher=Botany Department University of Otago |year=1982 |location=Dunedin}}</ref>''.'' Deer particularly sought after different varieties of ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' <ref name=":7" />''.'' Deer strip all the bark off ''Pseudopanax colensoi'', affecting its strength and causing it to become brittle and break.<ref name=":7" /> Most ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' become leafless and die but those over {{cvt|40|cm}} often remain untouched by red deer.<ref name=":7" /> ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' lives in areas that vary depending on rainfall, sunlight, oceanic climate, wind, and snow. In these varied climates, there is a huge range of predators that can affect ''Pseudopanax colensoi''. In different areas some predators that would disturb ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' would be common predators such as [[Common brushtail possum in New Zealand|possums]], [[rat]]s, [[wasp]]s, [[wild goat]]s, [[hedgehog]]s, and [[ant]]s (Animal pests and threats A-Z). These pests cause great disturbance to the ''Pseudopanax colensoi'' and the ecosystems that they live in.
⚫
An interesting fact is that ''Neopanax colensoi'' is commonly known as the mountain fivefinger because it looks like a hand since it has five leaves. The middle leaf of the ''Neopanax colensoi'' is the longest, resembling an index finger, and the leaves get smaller from there resembling the thumb and pinky finger on the human hand.


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 14:11, 12 November 2024

Pseudopanax colensoi
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Neopanax
Species:
N. colensoi
Binomial name
Neopanax colensoi
(Hook.f.) Philipson (1965)
Synonyms[2]
  • Nothopanax colensoi (Hook.f.) Seem. (1866)
  • Neopanax colensoi (Hook.f.) Allan (1961)
  • Neopanax colensoi var. montanus Allan (1961)
  • Panax colensoi Hook.f. (1852)
  • Panax colensoi var. montanus Kirk (1899)
  • Pseudopanax colensoi var. fiordensis Wardle (1968)
  • Pseudopanax colensoi var. ternatus Wardle (1968)

Pseudopanax colensoi, commonly known as the mountain fivefinger in English and orihou in Māori, is an endemic species to New Zealand. It is a shrub that can often grow into a small canopy tree, and is found in high altitude environments in its preferred areas around New Zealand. It is a member of the Neopanax clade, and is referred to by some sources as Neopanax colensoi.

Description

[edit]

Pseudopanax colensoi is a shrub that can often grow into a small canopy tree that has big glossy yellowish green leaves with purplish stalks.[3] Each leaflet measures 12–25 cm long and around 5–10 cm wide or more.[3] Each leaf has five to seven leaflets.[3] The leaves are toothed/serrated along their edges.[4] With large spreading branches and compound petiole leaves, Pseudopanax colensoi can grow up to around 8 meters tall.[4] The growth form of a Pseudopanax colensoi is a shrub and can often grow into small canopy trees, other species of Neopanax can be shrubs used in some landscaping. Some people prune the roots of the plants but to prune the roots of a Pseudopanax colensoi would dramatically affect how much they grow.[5] A cluster of whiteish-green flowers grow in clusters of 10-15 that look like little umbrellas. The clusters grow into bigger clusters on the purplish stalks of the plant as they grow.[4] The flowers then produce fruit that is either all male or all females. Female fruit is much darker in colour and less than 1 cm in diameter.[4]

Pseudopanax colensoi is commonly known as the mountain fivefinger because it looks like a hand since it has five leaves. The middle leaf of the Pseudopanax colensoi is the longest, resembling an index finger, and the leaves get smaller from there resembling the thumb and pinky finger on the human hand.

Range

[edit]

Natural global range

[edit]

Pseudopanax colensoi is endemic to New Zealand. Between the years 2004–2017, Pseudopanax colensoi has not been a threatened species [6]. There are currently three subspecific taxa in New Zealand for Pseudopanax colensoi.[7] Pseudopanax colensoi naturally occurs around New Zealand. Throughout the Nelson and Marlborough region the Pseudopanax colensoi occurs from sea level up to over 1,200 m above sea level.[8] It is a common species that does extremely well in New Zealand's various climates.

New Zealand range

[edit]

Pseudopanax colensoi is a common species in New Zealand and is found all over the country but more commonly in some specific areas. There are Pseudopanax colensoi populations located throughout New Zealand, particularly in and around the Otago, Dunedin area on the east coast of the South Island and south of Banks Peninsula in Canterbury. It is occasionally found in the North Island along the Coromandel Range.[6] Pseudopanax colensoi var. colensoi is seemingly absent from the West Coast of the South Island.[6]

Habitat

[edit]

Pseudopanax colensoi has certain preferred habitats. Pseudopanax colensoi var. colensoi is found in mountainous areas between 300 and 800 meters above sea level and low alpine forests and scrubland,[6] while other varieties like ternatus can grown at higher elevations. When one species is taken away from a populated area of Pseudopanax colensoi it is quickly replaced with most commonly another from the same family.[8] Pseudopanax colensoi likes to live in areas that are away from water but in an area with nutrient rich soils. Different species of Neopanax do well in different habitats. Some do well in poor soil conditions, dry shaded areas, with a divaricating habitat. Others are used in gardens as decorative plants taking up little room. Some Neopanax do well in nurseries for vegetation cover.[9]

Ecology

[edit]

Life cycle and phenology

[edit]

The most common form of plant dispersal is through either wind, water, or animals. Different plants disperse their seeds further away from it or drop their seeds onto an animal so it can move around and give the seeds a better survival chance. For Pseudopanax colensoi the phenology of germination for the seed is very important. The seed needs the soil to be at a cold temperature and a little bit damp for 1–3 months which gives the seed a better germination rate which occurs within those 1–3 months.[10] Pseudopanax colensoi seeds take around 6 months to germinate because it needs the correct temperatures.[10] Most species of Neopanax have their fruit ripen between January and April in the summer to autumn months.[10] The seeds of Pseudopanax colensoi do not have good storage capacity.[10] The Pseudopanax colensoi flowers and fruits between October and March. Neopanax colensoi produce flowers that are a creamy greenish colour.[6] When the fruit is ripe, it turns a dark purple colour, and there are only two seeds per fruit.[6] The average life span of a Neopanax species is around 15–20 years.[5]

Diet and foraging

[edit]

Pseudopanax colensoi and other Neopanax species can handle a wide range of different soil types but it most commonly likes and gets planted in soils that have poor structure. This is because they help with erosion control in areas that have poorly structured soil.[11] Different species like a different amount of water; some Neopanax species like dry soils and others tolerate wet soils. Pseudopanax colensoi doesn't mind either wet soils or dry soils as long as the environmental conditions are right.[11] Pseudopanax colensoi seedlings need certain soil mixes to germinate, which can be either potting mixes, pricking out mixes, rooting mixes, seed sowing mixes and soil.[10] Adding materials such as bark, peat, sawdust, perlite, pumice, vermiculite, sand, and grit to the soil can provide nutrients and improve the chances of survival in a Pseudopanax colensoi plant.

Predators, parasites, and diseases

[edit]

Pseudopanax colensoi is a fast-growing native plant that attracts a wide range of different birds which eat its fruit during October and March.[11] There are many diseases, parasites and predators that can harm any native species and have many devastating impacts. Some examples of different fungi that affect Pseudopanax colensoi are phytophthora, pythium, grey mould, root rot and rhizoctonia.[10] Pseudopanax colensoi seedlings and mature trees are highly vulnerable to the damaging effects of various types of fungi. Unfortunately, once these fungi have infected the Pseudopanax colensoi, it can be difficult to salvage the plant and get it back to a healthy state. In this case, the only option is to remove the entire plant to prevent the fungi from spreading and causing further harm to other species around it.[10] Leaf spots on young Pseudopanax colensoi seedlings can be a significant issue in certain regions around New Zealand, infecting the leaves and harming seedlings and fully grown plants.[10] Possums, aphids, mice, slugs, snails, woodlice, caterpillars, and grubs are some pests that can cause harm to Pseudopanax colensoi.[10] Possums pose a significant threat to native plants due to their destructive nature and potential to spread diseases. Their destructive nature causes them to tear up Pseudopanax colensoi trees and can cause serious harm to Pseudopanax colensoi when it comes to growth and the overall health of the Pseudopanax colensoi plant. Pseudopanax colensoi have a common predator like many other plants, the red deer (Cervus elaphus) [12]. Deer particularly sought after different varieties of Pseudopanax colensoi [12]. Deer strip all the bark off Pseudopanax colensoi, affecting its strength and causing it to become brittle and break.[12] Most Pseudopanax colensoi become leafless and die but those over 40 cm (16 in) often remain untouched by red deer.[12] Pseudopanax colensoi lives in areas that vary depending on rainfall, sunlight, oceanic climate, wind, and snow. In these varied climates, there is a huge range of predators that can affect Pseudopanax colensoi. In different areas some predators that would disturb Pseudopanax colensoi would be common predators such as possums, rats, wasps, wild goats, hedgehogs, and ants (Animal pests and threats A-Z). These pests cause great disturbance to the Pseudopanax colensoi and the ecosystems that they live in.

References

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  1. ^ Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).; IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group. (2018). "Neopanax colensoi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T135793090A135793092. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T135793090A135793092.en. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  2. ^ Neopanax colensoi (Hook.f.) Allan. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Foster, T (2012). Te Whakapapa o nga Rakau: Interpreting the Special Features of Native Plants. Plant Heritage New Zealand. pp. 7–207.
  4. ^ a b c d Lehnebach & Meudt, C & H (2022). Native Plants of Aotearoa. Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series, Wellington: Te Papa Press.
  5. ^ a b Going Native (2004). Going Native Making use of New Zealand Plants. Christchurch: University of Canterbury.
  6. ^ a b c d e f NZPCN, New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. "Peseudopanax colensoi var. colensoi". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network.
  7. ^ "Pseudopanax colensoi". NZ Flora.
  8. ^ a b Wardle, P (1968). "The taxonomy and distribution of the stipulate species of pseudopanax in New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 6 (2): 226–236. doi:10.1080/0028825X.1968.10429060.
  9. ^ Cave & Paddison, Y & V (1999). The Gardener's Encyclopaedia of New Zealand Native Plants. Auckland: Random House New Zealand.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i Metcalf, L (2007). The Propagation of New Zealand Native Plants. Auckland: Random House New Zealand.
  11. ^ a b c Crowe, A (2004). Which Native Plant can I grow here. Auckland: Penguin Group.
  12. ^ a b c d Mark & Baylis, A.F & G.T.S (1982). Further Studies On The Impact Of Deer On Secretary Island, Fiordland, New Zealand. Dunedin: Botany Department University of Otago.
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