Inaka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inaka |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dracophyllum
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| Species: |
longifolium
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| Synonyms | |
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Dracophyllum lyallii Hook.f. |
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Dracophyllum longifolium, commonly called inaka (from Māori), is an upright shrub or small tree in the family Ericaceae that is endemic to New Zealand.
Dracophyllum longifolium grows mostly in the South Island but is found throughout New Zealand from sea level up to 1,200 metres (3,900 ft). Inaka occurs in open forests where it can grow as high as 12 metres and in sub-alpine areas it generally reaches 1–1.5 metres (3 ft 3 in – 4 ft 11 in).
Dracophyllum longifolium has thin branches that become marked with rings as old leaves die. The needle-like long leaves are 3–5 millimetres (0.12–0.20 in) wide and up to 25 centimetres (9.8 in) long with a pointed tip and are often softly coloured from green through to orange and brown.
Inaka is a long-lived plant and can survive for up to 220 years.
Varieties
This species has the following varieties:
- Dracophyllum longifolium var. longifolium
- Dracophyllum longifolium var. septentrionale
Conservation status
In both 2009 and 2012, D. longifolium var. longifolium was deemed to be "Not Threatened" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, and this New Zealand classification was reaffirmed in 2018. However, D. longifolium var. septentrionale was classified as "At Risk - Naturally Uncommon" in 2012, and in 2018.
Images for kids
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Adult leaves
See also
In Spanish: Dracophyllum longifolium para niños
