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carmichaelia
Scientific Name: Carmichaelia
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Carmichaelia (New Zealand Brooms)
Carmichaelia, commonly known as New Zealand brooms, is a genus of plants belonging to the Fabaceae (legume or pea) family. With 24 species, all but one are native to New Zealand.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Carmichaelia species are shrubs with many leafless branches.
- These plants produce pea-like flowers.
Considerations for Children
- Some Carmichaelia species are shrubs with many leafless branches.
- These plants produce pea-like flowers.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Carmichaelia R.Br.
- Common Names: New Zealand broom, Makaka, Maukoro (for Carmichaelia australis), Ribbon Tree.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Subtribe: Carmichaelinae within the astragalean clade of the Galegeae.
- Synonyms/Related Genera: Chordospartium, Notospartium, and Corallospartium (now considered part of Carmichaelia).
- Note: The genus is named after Captain Dugald Carmichael (1772-1827).
Distribution and Habitat
- Most species are native to New Zealand, with one species (Carmichaelia exsul) endemic to Lord Howe Island, Australia.
- They are found in diverse habitats, including the South Island of New Zealand and subalpine/montane regions.
- Habitats range from rock gardens and retainer walls with good drainage to dryish soils in sunny locations.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Carmichaelia species are typically broom-like deciduous shrubs.
- They often have flattened green stems and are usually leafless when mature.
- They bear profuse, small, often fragrant flowers.
- Growth habits vary from fast-growing prostrate shrubs to larger trees (e.g., Carmichaelia stevensonii).
Quirky Facts
- Some species, like the "Ribbon Tree," are virtually leafless, presenting a unique appearance.
- Carmichaelia australis, or NZ Native Broom, is considered a very unusual plant.
- Some species exhibit "habit-heteroblasty," showing a transition from juvenile to adult forms.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Carmichaelia species interact with rhizobia in the soil.
Resources and Further Information
- Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd: Ng? Tipu Aotearoa – New Zealand Plants
- The Plant List: Information on accepted species names.
- International Plant Names Index (IPNI)