Xeronema callistemon
{{Short description|Species of flowering plant}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=February 2025}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Xeronema MRD Otari.jpg
| image_caption = Poor Knights lily, Ōtari-Wilton's Bush, Wellington, New Zealand
| genus = Xeronema
| species = callistemon
| authority = W.R.B. Oliv
File:Xeronema callistemon on Poor Knights Islands.JPG) plants growing in situ]]
}}
Xeronema callistemon is a species of flowering plant endemic to the Poor Knights Islands and Taranga Island in the north of New Zealand.[http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.asp?ID=706 Xeronema callistemon f. callistemon], [http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.asp?ID=705 Xeronema callistemon f. bracteosa] It was discovered in 1924 and has a common name Poor Knights lily. The plant is listed as vulnerable in the 1997 IUCN Red List of Plants,[https://books.google.com/books?id=XIL9adYYeSIC&pg=PA746 1997 IUCN red list of threatened plants], {{ISBN|2-8317-0328-X}} p.746 but as of October 2010 is not listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.[http://www.iucnredlist.org/ http://www.iucnredlist.org/] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627094911/http://www.iucnredlist.org/ |date=June 27, 2014 }} and search for Xeronema callistemon
Etymology
The common name of the plant originates from the Poor Knights Islands on which it was discovered. The islands, in turn, were so named because of their similarity in shape to the Poor Knights Pudding – a bread-based dish popular at the time of their discovery by Europeans.James Cook, John Beaglehole, Philip Edwards [https://books.google.com/books?id=r7Mg8LBWBDoC&pg=PA93 The journals of Captain Cook], Penguin Classics, 1999 {{ISBN|0-14-043647-2}}, p. 93
The botanical species name means "with a beautiful stamen", referring to the prominent red stamens of the plant's flowers.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.aspx?ID=706|title=Xeronema callistemon - New Zealand Plant Conservation Network|access-date=12 October 2018}}
Structure
The green stalks of Xeronema callistemon start growing vertically, initially sheathed by overlapping leaves. As the flower emerges, the stalk then turn sideways, growing a red flower raceme with prominent red stamens tipped with orange pollen and resembles a giant bottlebrush[http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/horticultural-use-of-native-plants/4 Horticultural use of native plants. Specialist plants], Ministry for Culture and Heritage of New Zealand or toothbrush.Barbara Matthews [https://books.google.com/books?id=VeUOAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA50 Growing Native Plants], Taylor & Francis, 1979, {{ISBN|0-589-01274-6}} p. 50 The individual flower tepals are 10–15 mm long, the stamens up to {{convert|4|cm}} tall, and the length of the brush is usually between {{convert|18|and|25|cm|in|abbr=on}} and can reach {{convert|45|cm|in|abbr=on}}. The plant itself is about {{convert|1|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall and {{convert|1|–|4|m|ft|abbr=on}} wide.[http://www.strangewonderfulthings.com/120.htm Journey to the Poor Knights Islands]
Habitat
Xeronema callistemon usually grows on rhyolite sea cliffs and rocky outcrops and sometimes in forest. It requires much water and is pollinated by birds and butterflies.{{cite journal|doi=10.2307/4113631|title=Xeronemataceae, a New Family of Asparagoid Lilies from New Caledonia and New Zealand|author=Mark W. Chase|author2=Paula J. Rudall|author3=Michael F. Fay|author4=Kate L. Stobart|name-list-style=amp|journal=Kew Bulletin|volume=55|issue=4 |year=2000|pages=865–870|jstor=4113631|bibcode=2000KewBu..55..865C }} If its seed falls on a nearby tree, such as Metrosideros excelsa, then it may grow as an epiphyte on it. The species has no obvious natural enemies and is listed as vulnerable because it grows naturally only on two islands. These islands are protected by the New Zealand Government as nature reserves and have a limited access. However, the plant is becoming popular for cultivation in private gardens. A related species, Xeronema moorei, is found on the islands of New Caledonia, 1500 km to the northwest.[http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2006/01/ Jan 16, 2006: Xeronema callistemon]
Growth
References
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{{Commons category}}
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