Plagiochila pacifica
Common name
Liverwort
Synonyms
Plagiochila kermadecensis J.J.Engel. et Merrill
Family
Plagiochilaceae
Flora category
Non-vascular – Native
Endemic taxon
Yes
Endemic genus
No
Endemic family
No
Structural class
Liverworts
Current conservation status
- Conservation status of New Zealand mosses, 2014 (PDF, 583.87 kB)
The conservation status of 109 New Zealand moss taxa was assessed using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS). Four taxa and one undescribed entity that were not included in previous assessments have been added to the list. The conservation status of only two taxa has changed in this assessment. A full list is presented, along with a statistical summary and brief notes on the changes. This list replaces all previous NZTCS lists for mosses. Authors: Jeremy R. Rolfe, Allan J. Fife, Jessica E. Beever, Patrick J. Brownsey and Rodney A. Hitchmough.
- Conservation status of New Zealand hornworts and liverworts, 2014 (PDF, 695.44 kB)
The conservation status of the New Zealand hornwort and liverwort flora is reassessed using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS). A full list is presented, along with a statistical summary and brief notes on the most important changes. This list replaces all previous NZTCS lists for New Zealand hornworts and liverworts which previously had been part of a generic bryophyte conservation status assessment that included mosses. Authors: Peter J. de Lange, David Glenny, John Braggins, Matt Renner, Matt von Konrat, John Engel, Catherine Reeb and Jeremy Rolfe.
Source: NZTCS and licensed by DOC for reuse under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence.
2009 | At Risk – Naturally Uncommon | Qualifiers: IE, OL
Previous conservation status
2004 | Threatened – Nationally Critical
Distribution
Endemic. Kermadec Islands, Raoul Island
Detailed description
Plants bright emerald green, large, 40–60 mm long, 8.0–8.5 mm wide with leaves, not glossy, sparingly branched, branching exclusively lateral-intercalary, arising from a creeping rhizome; stem about 450–500 microns in diamter; rhizoids numerous on rhizomes; stem surface partially exposed. Leaves moderately to closely imbricate, oblong-ovate, 3.8–4.3 mm long, 1.9–2.1 mm wide, dorsal leaf base moderately decurrent, margin somewhat recurved, apex subacute, ventral margin arched, sac recurved, entire or with 2 or 3 teeth, moderately decurrent at base; whole leaf margin dentate, teeth 3–6 cells long, 2 or 3 cells wide at base, terminal cell slightly elongated; subapical and median cells 20–23 x 22–24 microns, basal cells 24–27 x 45–60 microns, trigones small, walls moderately thickened throughout, cuticle smooth. Underleaves vestigial. Male plants not seen. Gynoecia terminal, with 1 or 2 innovations, bracts small, perianth obovoid, 4.3 mm long, 2.1 mm wide, keels unwinged. Sporophyte unknown.
Fruiting
Unknown
Threats
A widespread and abundant species which is listed only because it is endemic to Raoul Island.
Substrate
In both wet and dry forest types of Raoul Island where it can be saxicolous (on basalt rock, breccia or tuff) or corticolous
Etymology
pacifica: Of the Pacific Ocean.
References
Engel, J.J.; Merril, G.L.S. 1999: Austral hepaticae 31. two new species of plagiochila(dum.) dum.(plagiochilaceae) from New Zealand. Journal of the Hattori Botanical Laboratory 87: 295-300.
Fact Sheet Prepared for NZPCN by: P.J. de Lange June 2009. Description adapted from Engel & Merrill (1999).