| Podolepis robusta | |
|---|---|
| |
| Podolepis robusta Alpine National Park, Victoria | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Podolepis |
| Species: | P. robusta |
| Binomial name | |
| Podolepis robusta (Maiden & Betche) J.H.Willis | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Podolepis longipedata var. robusta Maiden & Betche | |
Podolepis robusta, commonly known as alpine podolepis, mountain lettuce or cattleman's lettuce, is a perennial herb from the Australian Alps in the family Asteraceae.
Description
The species has a thick, upright single stem and reaches up to 60 cm in height, with yellow inflorescences that are around 25 mm in diameter. These appear in summer. Spathulate basal leaves clasp the stem and are up to 20 cm in length. Leaves on the stem above these are smaller and decrease in size with height.
Taxonomy
The species was initially described in 1898 as Podolepis longipedata var. robusta based on plant material collected from Australia's highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko. In 1942, it was renamed as Podolepis acuminata var. robusta by botanist Jim Willis. He elevated it to species status in 1954.
Distribution
Podolepis robusta is found in alpine grassland, commonly in association with snow gums. It occurs in the Australian Alps, southwards from Mount Gingera in the Australian Capital Territory.
References
- ^ "Podolepis robusta". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
- ^ "Podolepis robusta". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
- Corrick, M.G. & Fuhrer, B.A. (2001). Wildflowers of Victoria and adjoining areas. Australia: Bloomings Books. ISBN 1876473142.
- Wild Plants of Victoria (database). Viridans Biological Databases & Department of Sustainability and Environment. 2009.
| Taxon identifiers | |
|---|---|
| Podolepis robusta |
|
| Podolepis longipedata var. robusta | |