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Leucogenes grandiceps by Emily Cumming Harris (1837-1925) from New Zealand Flowers, New Zealand Berries and New Zealand Ferns
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Subfamily:	Asteroideae
Tribe:	Gnaphalieae
Genus:	Leucogenes Beauverd
Synonyms
Helichrysum sect. Leontopodioides Benth.

Leucogenes grandiceps, the South Island Edelweiss of New Zealand, is a species of plant in the family Asteraceae, native to New Zealand.

Species description

Leucogenes grandiceps is a plant characterized by its leafy stems, which form depressed rosettes or grow decumbent to erect, with dimensions of up to 10 x 1.0 cm. The leaf blades are obovate-spathulate and concave with an undulate shape, measuring approximately 4–10 x 3–5 mm. The leaf tips are rounded, sometimes apiculate, and the leaf sheaths are pale green in color.

The leaf venation features a loose woolly crimped pattern on the upper surface, while the lower surface is loosely arranged. The leaves themselves have an appressed to spreading posture, with a recurved shape, and display a silvery-green color. The plant's peduncle is indistinct, with a diameter ranging from 10–20 mm. Leucogenes grandiceps produces 7–10 capitula, each with an involucral bract length of 5.0 mm. Within each capitulum, there are 15–25 florets. The pappus tips are thickened, and the achene hairs are 0.1–0.8 mm long and numerous.

The plant's stock is relatively sturdy and woody, featuring decumbent stems with a woody base and ascending branches. Basal leaves are not found in subrosettes. Leaves are densely to somewhat laxly overlapping, spreading, with recurved stems measuring 5–10 x 2–4 mm. They are often apiculate, with 3–5 nerves at the base, and have an obovate-cuneate shape. Both surfaces are covered in appressed white to pale buff hairs. Peduncles are barely distinguishable from the branchlets. The plant produces 5–15 capitula, which are densely packed into glomerules with a diameter of 9–15 mm. Up to 15 densely woolly leaves, up to 1 cm long, surround the glomerules, creating a distinct white ray. The phyllaries are linear, acute, and approximately 5 mm long, with a scarious texture and a stiffened base.

Peduncles are barely distinguishable from the branchlets. The plant produces 5–15 capitula, which are densely packed into glomerules with a diameter of 9–15 mm. Up to 15 densely woolly leaves, up to 1 cm long, surround the glomerules, creating a distinct white ray. The phyllaries are linear, acute, and approximately 5 mm long, with a scarious texture and a stiffened base. Achenes are about 1 mm long, and the pappus hairs measure 3–4 mm in length.

Achenes are about 1 mm long, and the pappus hairs measure 3-4 mm in length.

Habitat preferences

The habitat of the species Leucogenes grandiceps can be found in subalpine to alpine environments, ranging from elevations that are just below the tree line to those that extend into the alpine zone. These habitats are characterized by cooler temperatures, harsh weather conditions, and shorter growing seasons compared to lower elevations.

Leucogenes grandiceps thrives on rock outcrops, cliff faces, and boulders within moraines. These rocky features offer a stable and well-drained environment for the species to establish itself. Additionally, the plant can be found in fell fields and other areas with scattered rocks and stones, providing various microhabitats for the species to grow and adapt.

This species can be found in open areas of the above terrain, where it receives ample sunlight, as well as among cushion plants or in light scrub. Cushion plants, which are low-growing, mat-forming species, can offer a protective microclimate for Leucogenes grandiceps by buffering against wind, retaining moisture, and trapping heat. Similarly, light scrub vegetation, consisting of small trees and shrubs, provides shelter from wind and creates a more favorable growing environment.

Life cycle

The life cycle of Leucogenes grandiceps begins with its flowering stage, which typically occurs from November to March. During this period, the plant produces an array of capitula, each containing numerous florets. These flowers attract pollinators, which help facilitate the fertilization process. Following successful fertilization, the plant proceeds to develop fruits, with the fruit-bearing stage lasting from January to April.

Within the fruits are the seeds, which are crucial for the continuation of the species' life cycle. The achenes, or small, dry, single-seeded fruits, are equipped with pappus hairs that aid in their dispersal. As the fruits mature, they release their seeds, which are then usually spread by wind. The pappus hairs act like parachutes, allowing the seeds to be carried by air currents and ensuring their distribution over a wide area.

Diet and foraging

Leucogenes grandiceps prefers soils and environments in subalpine and alpine regions. These areas are characterized by cooler temperatures, harsh weather conditions, and shorter growing seasons compared to lower elevations.

The species thrives in well-drained soils, often found in rocky environments such as rock outcrops, cliff faces, boulders within moraines, fell fields, and other rock-strewn areas. These rocky habitats offer stable growing conditions, preventing soil erosion and providing good drainage for the plant's roots.

Leucogenes grandiceps may also favor soils with a varying degree of fertility, as it can be found in open areas, among cushion plants, or in light scrub. This suggests that the species can adapt to different nutrient levels and soil compositions. It is likely that the plant can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, as it is found in diverse environments.

In terms of sunlight, the species can be found in open areas where it receives ample sunlight, as well as among cushion plants or in light scrub, where it may receive partial shade. This indicates that Leucogenes grandiceps can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to dappled shade.

Overall, Leucogenes grandiceps prefers well-drained, rocky soils in subalpine and alpine environments, with the ability to adapt to varying fertility levels, pH, and light conditions. Its hardiness and resilience allow it to thrive in the challenging habitats it inhabits.

Predators, Parasites, and Diseases

Leucogenes grandiceps serves as a food source for a variety of endemic insect species in its native habitat. One such insect is the Adoxia obscura beetle, which visits the flowers of the plant. Several grasshopper species, including Brachaspis nivalis, Paprides nitidus, Sigaus australis, and Sigaus villosus, are also known to feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of Leucogenes grandiceps. These alpine grasshoppers can be found living in areas with vegetation covering the ground or on screes.

Several wasp and bee species, such as Lasioglossum maunga and Leioproctus pekanui, are also associated with the plant. These endemic species contribute to the plant's pollination process. Additionally, a variety of fly species, including Melangyna novaezelandiae, Melangyna sp., Muscidae sp., Plethochaetigera setiventris, and Veluta albicincta, are found on Leucogenes grandiceps. While the adult flies feed on pollen or within the flowers, their larvae exhibit different feeding habits, with some being predators of aphids and other small insects, and others acting as parasitoids.