Linum monogynum

Linum monogynum (common names rauhuia, native linen, New Zealand linen flax) is a species of flowering plant in the family Linaceae, which is endemic to the islands of New Zealand. It is a low-growing short-lived perennial or woody subshrub, growing up to 16 in (41 cm) tall. Its spear-shaped, leathery-gray to green leaves are 0.2–1 inches (5–25 mm) long. Its pretty white flowers are up to 1 in (2.5 cm) in diameter, and have five overlapping petals. It is monoecious, having both male and female organs on one plant (hence the Latin specific epithet monogynum, literally "single wife").[1]

Linum monogynum
Linum monogynum var. chathamicum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Linaceae
Genus: Linum
Species:
L. monogynum
Binomial name
Linum monogynum

Separate populations on Chatham Island are more robust with blue-white flowers, and may be referred to as L. monogynum var. chathamicum. There may also be variations amongst the mainland populations.[2]

This tough compact plant is well able to cope with the harsh conditions of New Zealand's coasts, often with gale-force salt-laden winds. It is a close relative to the true flax of the Northern Hemisphere, Linum usitatissimum, but is not closely related to the much better-known plants called New Zealand flax (species in the genus Phormium).[3]

References
  1. "Linum monogynum". Plants for a Future. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  2. "Linum monogynum var. monogynum". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  3. "Plant Profiles - Linum". O2 Landscapes. Retrieved 10 November 2019.



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