The classification of megaherbs

New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands support a diverse and unique flora. Of particular interest are the megaherbs. These are plants with large leaves and colourful floral displays – completely different from their mainland counterparts. There are different ideas about why these plants have evolved in this way. Some suggest that having large leaves is an adaptive response to the climatic conditions found on the islands – cool, cloudy and humid. The flowers with their bright colours are adapted to utilise the weak sunlight and short summer season as well as attracting the pollinators.

Megaherb Anisotome latifolia

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This image shows the megaherb Anisotome latifolia. They are only found on the islands of the Subantarctic, including Auckland, Campbell, Antipdes, Snares and Macquarie Islands.

Rights: Cherie Fenemor, Sir Peter Blake Trust

In this activity, students use megaherb image cards to group species of megaherbs according to their physical structures (leaf shape, leaf size, flower structure and flower colour). The purpose is to encourage students to look more closely at plant structures and to introduce them to methods of classification. It encourages students to take a closer look at the physical structures of megaherbs and to devise their own system for classifying them.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

• explain what general classification is and why it is important

• experience devising and revising their own classification system

• better understand why scientists do not always agree and why species may be reclassified as new information comes to light.

Download the pdf file (see link below) for:

• introduction/background notes

• what you need

• what to do

• discussion questions

• extension idea.