Kingdom: Plantae
(Unranked): Angiosperms
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Gingidia
Species: G. decipiens
Binominal name: Gingidia decipiens
Synonyms: Aciphylla decipiens, Ligusticum decipiens, Angelica decipiens, Ligusticum petraeum, Anisotome petraea, Gingidum decipiens,
Gingidia decipiens is a low growing glabrous perennial tufted herb up to 10-15 cm. tall and is endemic to the South Island, mainly westerly from Nelson to Fiordland. Its habitat is subalpine to alpine herbfields (up to 1600 m.a.s.l.). It is usually found in crevices or on ledges of limestone, marble or granite, or base-rich facies of greywacke rock.
Inflorescences of white flowers on umbels are produced during October – April. Seeds develop November – June. The leaves emit an aniseed smell when crushed.
The bases of the plants are surrounded by persistent dead leaf remnants.
For more details visit: http://nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.aspx?ID=1944
Photographed mid-February at Otari Wilton Bush Reserve, Wellington.
Thanks to Wikipedia for text and information: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
