Pimelea prostrata
Appearance
Pimelea prostrata | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malvales |
Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
Genus: | Pimelea |
Species: | P. prostrata
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Binomial name | |
Pimelea prostrata Willd.[1]
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Pimelea prostrata, also known as Strathmore weed, is a species of small shrub, of the family Thymelaeaceae. It is endemic to New Zealand.[2]
Description
Pimelea prostrata is a low growing shrub. Its branches grow to 30 cm long, with blue or green leaves that are 3 to 6 mm long, 1.5 to 4 mm wide, and have rounded tips.[1]
Like many species of Pimelea, it is poisonous to animals, particularly horses. It was originally used as a source of the toxin prostratin, which can serve as a tumor-inhibiting agent.[2]
References
- ^ a b "Pimelea prostrata subsp. prostrata". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. 6 December 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ a b "Strathmore Weed". Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 2012-06-09.