Leucogenes grandiceps, also known as the South Island edelweiss, is a species of plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to New Zealand.[2][3]
Description
Leucogenes grandiceps is a perennial herb with leafy stems and white and yellow flowers.[4][5][6] It grows up to 0.1 cm tall by 10 cm wide and has pale green leaves.[5]
Habitat preferences
Leucogenes grandiceps prefers subalpine and alpine regions.[6][5]
Life cycle
Leucogenes grandiceps flowers between November and March and seed is wind dispersed.[6]
Predators, parasites and diseases
Leucogenes grandiceps serves as a food source for a variety of endemic insect species in its native habitat. One such insect is the Adoxia obscura beetle, which visits the flowers of the plant.[7] Several grasshopper species, including Brachaspis nivalis, Paprides nitidus, Sigaus australis, and Sigaus villosus, are also known to feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of Leucogenes grandiceps.[7] Several wasp and bee species, such as Lasioglossum maunga and Leioproctus pekanui, are associated with the plant along with a variety of fly species, including Melangyna novaezelandiae, Melangyna sp., Muscidae sp., Plethochaetigera setiventris, and Veluta albicincta.[7]
