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Te Papa researchers: Leon Perrie and Lara Shepherd
This research revises taramea, speargrasses, Aciphylla – a genus with around 40 species and 10 informal tag names. The sharply pointed leaves of most species makes them difficult to collect, and they are subsequently under-represented in herbarium collections. Nearly half are of conservation concern. Using field observations and collections, morphology and genomics, this research seeks to understand the relationships within the genus and clarify the number of species.
Alongside Aotearoa, New Caledonia receives particular focus because of its shared Zealandian heritage, but the research has also covered Australian, Solomon Islands, Fijian and Tongan ferns.
Main collaborators: David Glenny, Maanaki Whenua - Landcare Research
Aciphylla kirkii, Cardrona skifield. Photo by Leon Perrie. Te Papa
Aciphylla dobsonii, an example of a cushion speargrass, Freehold Creek, Lake Ōhau. Photo by Lara Shepherd. Te Papa
Aciphylla ‘lomond’, Treble Cone skifield. Photo by Leon Perrie. Te Papa
Te Papa Research Scientist Lara Shepherd and Botany Curator Leon Perrie recently embarked on a new project with Manaaki Whenua’s David Glenny to re-assess the number of species of speargrass. Here they give an overview of the genus.
The large-leaved Aciphylla speargrasses or taramea are difficult plants to collect. Their rigid leaves are tipped in a sharp point and the bracts on their flower spikes are similarly ferocious. Te Papa Research Scientist Lara Shepherd and Botany Curator Leon Perrie describe how they approached sampling speargrasses on their recent collecting trip.
Find out about the research lines and main projects our team is currently working on.
