Azorella macquariensis, Family Apiaceae, also known as Macquarie Cushions or Macquarie Azorella, is a perennial herb that forms extensive cushions and tight mats, and can vary in size from a few centimetres to several metres in diameter. There are two distinct forms of the species – hairy and non-hairy. The leaf blade is kidney-shaped in outline, with usually 3 or sometimes 5 lanceolate lobes that are hairless or sparsely and coarsely hairy on the upper surface. The petiole is 3–4 mm long and broadly winged. The bisexual flowers are solitary or sometimes paired. The fruit is hidden by upper leaves and is yellow-brown, almost sessile or on a 1 mm long pedicel. The species flowers from December to February, and fruits from January to April.
Macquarie Azorella, Macquarie Cushions |
Azorella macquariensis
Status: Critically Endangered on the EPBC Act list
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
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Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Azorella macquariensis
Potential threats are the introduction of alien species and climate change (DPIPWE; 2009 Threatened Species Section; 2009).
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Australian Government, Listing Advices, Azorella macquariensis
Climate change Climate data show a significant warming of Macquarie Island by over 0.5 C over the last 50 years (Tweedie and Bergstrom; 2000 Pendlebury and Barnes Keoghan; 2007).
Climate change may increase the risk of alien species; including pathogens; establishing on the island or increase impacts from existing species or pathogens; either directly or through changed interactions with other species (DPIPWE; 2009 Threatened Species Section; 2009). 3.