Bronze Pirri-pirri-bur
Scientific name: Acaena anserinifolia (J.R. & G. Forst.) Druce
Diagnostic features
Differs from Acaena novae-zelandiae in leaflets matt green on upperside, often edged and veined with brown.
Apical pair of leaflets 3-10mm, 1.2-2x as long as wide.
Spines mostly 3.5-6mm, often 1 or 2 much shorter.
Chromosome number: (2n=42).
Habitat
Introduced-naturalized; probably originally a wool-alien, now naturalized on barish ground.
Distribution
Very few places from South England to Central Scotland, North Ireland; New Zealand.
This species is keyed out on Page 1572 in the Text Key.
Note
Dwarf plants with small parts and relatively short apical leaflets occur in West Galway and West Mayo; they are referable to Acaenapusilla, which is probably a montane ecotype of Acaena anserinifolia.
Hybrids
- Acaena anserinifolia x Acaena inermis was found in 1967 at Batworthy Brook, Dartmoor, South Devon, and is grown in gardens; most flowers have 2 stigmas but develop spines. |
