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Caltha obtusa
Scientific Name: Caltha obtusa
Family: Ranunculaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Caltha obtusa: White Caltha
Caltha obtusa, commonly known as white caltha, is a small perennial herbaceous plant. It's part of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Caltha obtusa Cheeseman
- Common Name: White Caltha
- Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
- Synonym: Psychrophila obtusa (Cheeseman) W.A.Weber
- Basionym: Caltha obtusa Cheesem., Trans. & Proc. New Zealand Inst. 33: 312. 1901.
- Heterotypic Synonym: Caltha introloba var. obtusa (Cheesem.)
Distribution and Habitat
- Found in New Zealand, specifically in the South Island.
- Often found in herbfields, where it can be a major component of the vegetation.
Morphological Characteristics
- Small size, typically 2-6 cm in height.
- Rhizomatous perennial flowering plant.
Ecological Role
- It is known to grow near shallow water sources, herbfields, and slow flowing streams.
- It is known to be a snow bank plant in the southern island of New Zealand.
Quirky Facts
- Caltha obtusa is known to bear conspicuous flowers immediately after the complete melt of its winter snow blanket.
Further Information
- Te Papa's collections contain information and specimens related to Caltha obtusa.
- More information on nomenclature and phylogeny can be found at PhytoImages.siu.edu.
- Encyclopedia of Life has information about the Family: Ranunculaceae.