Chionochloa rigida, known commonly as narrow-leaved snow tussock and by its Māori name wī kura, is a species of tussock grass endemic to New Zealand.[1][2] Two subspecies are recognised, including Chionochloa rigida rigida and Chionochloa rigida amara.[3][4]
Found throughout the lower half of the South Island, from Banks Peninsula and east of the Southern Alps through to Southland.[5]
The subspecies C. rigida amara has a more western distribution and is found south of around 43°S in the Southern Alps.[3]
Prefers montane to low alpine zones, but is known to descend to sea level in Otago.[6][5] Prefers drier soils.[2]
The narrow-leaved snow tussock is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN and Not Threatened by the Department of Conservation.[1][7]
Chionochloa rigida, known commonly as narrow-leaved snow tussock and by its Māori name wī kura, is a species of tussock grass endemic to New Zealand. Two subspecies are recognised, including Chionochloa rigida rigida and Chionochloa rigida amara.
