Lateristachys diffusa (R.Br.) Holub is a plant in the Lycopodiaceae family, order Lycopodiales, kingdom Plantae. Not known to be toxic.

Photo of Lateristachys diffusa (R.Br.) Holub (Lateristachys diffusa (R.Br.) Holub)
🌿 Plantae

Lateristachys diffusa (R.Br.) Holub

Lateristachys diffusa (R.Br.) Holub

Lateristachys diffusa is a plant with variable stem placement that was historically part of the endangered kākāpō’s diet.

Family
Genus
Lateristachys
Order
Lycopodiales
Class
Lycopodiopsida

About Lateristachys diffusa (R.Br.) Holub

This plant, scientifically named Lateristachys diffusa (R.Br.) Holub, has different stem positions depending on the habitat it grows in. When it grows in boggy terrain, its main stems grow underground. In drier habitats, its main stems can grow above ground. The stems are typically no longer than 25 centimeters, and produce roots at regular intervals along their length. Analysis of fossilized kākāpō excrement has confirmed that this plant was historically part of the diet of this endangered bird.

Photo: (c) Bevan Smith, all rights reserved, uploaded by Bevan Smith

Taxonomy

Plantae Tracheophyta Lycopodiopsida Lycopodiales Lycopodiaceae Lateristachys

More from Lycopodiaceae

Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia, NCBI Taxonomy · Disclaimer

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