Podolepis robusta

Podolepis robusta
Podolepis robusta
Alpine National Park, Victoria
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Podolepis
Species:
P. robusta
Binomial name
Podolepis robusta
Synonyms[1]

Podolepis longipedata var. robusta Maiden & Betche
Podolepis acuminata var. robusta (Maiden & Betche) J.H.Willis

Podolepis robusta, commonly known as alpine podolepis, mountain lettuce or cattleman's lettuce, is a perennial herb from the Australian Alps in the family Asteraceae.[1][2]

Description

The species has a thick, upright single stem and reaches up to 60 cm in height, with yellow inflorescences that are around 25 mm in diameter. These appear in summer.[2] Spathulate basal leaves clasp the stem and are up to 20 cm in length.[2] Leaves on the stem above these are smaller and decrease in size with height.[3]

Taxonomy

The species was initially described in 1898 as Podolepis longipedata var. robusta based on plant material collected from Australia's highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko.[1] In 1942, it was renamed as Podolepis acuminata var. robusta by botanist Jim Willis.[1] He elevated it to species status in 1954.[1]

Distribution

Podolepis robusta is found in alpine grassland, commonly in association with snow gums.[2][4] It occurs in the Australian Alps, southwards from Mount Gingera in the Australian Capital Territory.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Podolepis robusta". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Podolepis robusta". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  3. ^ Corrick, M.G. & Fuhrer, B.A. (2001). Wildflowers of Victoria and adjoining areas. Australia: Bloomings Books. ISBN 1876473142.
  4. ^ Wild Plants of Victoria (database). Viridans Biological Databases & Department of Sustainability and Environment. 2009.