SafePlants

Ascarina

Ascarina is an ancient, woody angiosperm, belonging to the family Chloranthaceae.

Considerations for Pets

• Ascarina lucida, also known as Hutu, is a small tree.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Ascarina J.R.Forst. &amp G.Forst.
• Family: Chloranthaceae
• Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae, based on the text's context)
• Rank: Genus

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• The Plant List includes 19 scientific plant names of species rank for the genus Ascarina, of which 12 are accepted species names.
• Synonyms/Related Taxa:
  • Ascarina lucida Hook.f.
  • Ascarina polystachya J.R. Forst. &amp G. Forst.
  • Ascarina solmsiana Schltr.
  • Ascarina philippinensis C.B.Rob.
  • Ascarina marquesensis A. C. Sm.

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus Ascarina is found in the Australian region.
• Ascarina lucida (Hutu) is endemic to New Zealand and common on the West Coast. It was last reported in Oct 1969 at Mt Egmont / Taranaki.
• Ascarina lucida var. lanceolata is endemic to Raoul Island in the Kermadec Islands group.
• Other Polynesian areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Ascarina lucida is a species of small tree.
• Bright leaves contrast with dark branches.
• Can be pruned in winter to retain shape.
• Grows to a maximum of 8m.

Quirky Facts

• Ascarina lucida is not dioecious (having separate male and female plants) but exhibits a peculiar type of monoecism.

Ecological Role

• The distribution of Ascarina lucida suggests an inability to survive severe conditions.

Traditional Uses

• Common names: Kaiatea.
• Other Polynesian: Afia.

Further Information

• EOL (Encyclopedia of Life)
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System)
• USDA PLANTS Database
• Discover Life