Chionochloa rigida | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Poales |
Family: | Poaceae |
Genus: | Chionochloa |
Species: | C. rigida
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Binomial name | |
Chionochloa rigida (Raoul)
Zotov
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Chionochloa rigida, known commonly as narrow-leaved snow tussock and by its Māori name wī kura, is a species of tussock grass endemic to New Zealand. [1] [2] Two subspecies are recognised, including Chionochloa rigida rigida and Chionochloa rigida amara. [3] [4]
Found throughout the lower half of the South Island, from Banks Peninsula and east of the Southern Alps through to Southland. [5]
The subspecies C. rigida amara has a more western distribution and is found south of around 43°S in the Southern Alps. [3]
Prefers montane to low alpine zones, but is known to descend to sea level in Otago. [6] [5] Prefers drier soils. [2]
The narrow-leaved snow tussock is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN and Not Threatened by the Department of Conservation. [1] [7]