Olearia pinifolia

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Olearia pinifolia
Olearia pinifolia - full plant - kunanyi.jpg
Olearia pinifolia foliage and seeding flowers, in autumn, kunanyi TAS
Olearia pinifolia - close-up - kunanyi.jpg
Close-up of the seeding flowers on O. pinifolia
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Olearia
Species:
O. pinifolia
Binomial name
Olearia pinifolia
(Hook.f.) Benth.
Olearia pinifolia - map.jpg
Olearia pinifolia distribution map

Olearia pinifolia is a spiky shrub of the Asteraceae family,[1] endemic to the mountains of Tasmania.[2][3] It is commonly known as the Pine-leafed Daisy-bush.[4] This species is endemic to Tasmania, Australia and is found in alpine and sub-alpine regions on mountains throughout Tasmania, where it grows as a shrub to small tree. It flowers during spring - early summer.

Description[]

Pressed Olearia pinifolia

The Olearia pinifolia species grows as a thick, spiky shrub or small tree, often to a height of 1-3m. Its foliage contains slender leaves which end in a sharp tip, with the leaves curving down at the edges - known as revolute.[1][5] Leaves are dark green on the upper side, with underside a lighter grey-green,[5] growing to approximate lengths of 3cm. Its flowers have white florets of 18-24, flowerheads occur solitarily,[4] with flowers blooming in late spring - early summer, turning to seed by mid-summer. Set apart and easily distinguished from other Olearia species by its pine-like foliage.

Distribution and habitat[]

Olearia pinifolia is endemic to Tasmania, occurring sporadically within the 800-1200m altitude,[4] commonly found in similar regions to Olearia ledifolia, but often in less density. It has a tolerance for cold, windy and wet conditions as found in sub-alpine regions. Prefers loamy, fast-draining soil with low phosphorus levels.[6]

Ecology[]

This species is known to be resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi;[4] which can cause root rot. Olearia pinifolia may be susceptible to mealybug,[4] which feed on the juices of the plant, and may carry other diseases.

Cultivation[]

Seeds can be collected from seeding Olearia pinifolia in the late summer to early autumn (January-March), when the achene release the fluffy, white seed-heads.[4] These can be collected and dried, and if sowed within a short time in a surface layer of loamy, low-phosphorus soil, can yield young Olearia pinifolia seedlings. Best sowing months in Tasmania are March-April and October-November,[4] when conditions are mild and frosts rare. Germination occurs in two to five weeks after planting.[4] Can also be propagated from cuttings taken from healthy, young Olearia pinifolia plants.[4]

References[]

  1. ^ a b Jordan, Greg. "Olearia pinifolia (Asteraceae) 2:305". Key to Tasmanian Vascular Plants. University of Tasmania. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  2. ^ "Olearia pinifolia (Hook.fil.) Benth". www.gbif.org. GBIF. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  3. ^ "Taxonomy - GRIN-Global Web v 1.10.5.0". www.narc.gov.jo. USDA. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Smith, Andrew. "Olearia pinifolia". Understory Network. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  5. ^ a b Newland, Jill. "Olearia pinifolia". Tasmanian Plants - Asteraceae. North Queensland Plants. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  6. ^ Smith, Andrew. "Olearia pinifolia". Understory Network. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
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