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Description
Dolichoglottis Lyallii, commonly known as the Mount Cook Lily or Ranunculus Lyallii, is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. This plant is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in the alpine regions of the South Island. It is named after David Lyall, a Scottish botanist who first discovered it during the 1840s. The Mount Cook Lily is a protected species in New Zealand and is considered a national icon.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eukaryota | Plantae | Tracheophyta | Magnoliopsida | Ranunculales | Ranunculaceae | Dolichoglottis |
Appearance
The Mount Cook Lily has large, leathery, dark green leaves that are up to 30 cm long. Its stem can grow up to 1 meter in height and is topped by a large, white, lily-like flower that can reach up to 20 cm in diameter. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and bloom from December to February. The plant produces a large, fleshy, underground rhizome that helps it survive in the harsh alpine environment.
Care Guide
The Mount Cook Lily is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme cold and heat. However, it requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight to thrive. It is also important to keep the plant well-watered during the growing season and to fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a month. The plant is suitable for hardiness zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Mount Cook Lily is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by slugs and snails, which can damage the leaves and flowers. To prevent this, it is recommended to apply a slug and snail bait around the plant. The plant may also be affected by root rot, which can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil.
Habitat
The Mount Cook Lily is found in alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand, where it grows in rocky soil and is exposed to extreme weather conditions. It can be found in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, which is a protected area that is home to many unique plant and animal species.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Mount Cook Lily difficult to grow?
A: No, the Mount Cook Lily is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme conditions and is relatively easy to grow.
Q: Can the Mount Cook Lily be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Mount Cook Lily can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is provided with plenty of sunlight and water.
Q: Does the Mount Cook Lily require special care during the winter?
A: No, the Mount Cook Lily is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme cold and heat. However, it is important to keep the plant well-watered during the winter season.
Q: Can the Mount Cook Lily be propagated from seeds?
A: Yes, the Mount Cook Lily can be propagated from seeds, but it may take several years for the plant to reach maturity.
Related Plants
- Ranunculus acraeus
- Ranunculus amphitrichus
- Ranunculus australis
- Ranunculus insignis
References
- “Dolichoglottis lyallii.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2021.
- “Mount Cook Lily.” Department of Conservation. n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2021.
- “Ranunculus lyallii.” NZPCN. n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2021.
