About Sonchus novae-zelandiae (Hook.fil.) Benth. & Hook.fil.
Sonchus novae-zelandiae (Hook.fil.) Benth. & Hook.fil. has a 15-centimeter tall scape, which is a leafless stalk, along with a thick taproot that often produces multiple flowerheads. It forms a dense leaf rosette; its leaves are split but not fully divided, and each rosette leaf bears a single flower. This species shows a wide range of morphological variation depending on its geographic origin. Its recorded chromosome numbers are 2n = 90 and 2n = 126. Ecologically, Sonchus novae-zelandiae is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand, where it grows in stony habitats including rocky slopes and crevices. The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network has assessed the conservation status of this species multiple times. In 2004, it was recorded that populations of this dryland sow thistle were sparse. In 2007, 2012, and 2017, the species was classified as Nationally Vulnerable. Its populations are declining across most of its range, and it may be displaced by the species Pilosella.
