Colobanthus kerguelensis

Colobanthus kerguelensis
File:Flora Antarctica Plate XCII.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Core eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Caryophyllaceae
Genus:	Colobanthus
Species:	C. kerguelensis
Binomial name
Colobanthus kerguelensis Hook.f.

Colobanthus kerguelensis is a low-growing, moss-like flowering cushion plant in the Caryophyllaceae, or carnation family, found on subantarctic islands in the southern Indian Ocean. The specific epithet refers to the type locality – the Kerguelen Islands.

Description

Colobanthus kerguelensis is a perennial herb that forms loose clumps or cushions up to 65 mm in diameter. The slender, freely branching stems lack adventitious roots. The leaves are linear and fleshy, 5–10 mm long and 2–3.5 mm wide. The flowers are 4-merous, with two large outer sepals, and two smaller inner ones. The plant flowers from December to March, and fruits from March.

Distribution and habitat

As well as on Kerguelen, Colobanthus kerguelensis occurs on the Crozet, Prince Edward, and Heard Islands. It has been recorded from gravel substrates in the supralittoral or sea spray zone, in well-drained peaty and sandy soils with Azorella selago, and in feldmark, up to elevations of 30 m above sea level. It is a pioneer coloniser of recently deglaciated areas.