Story: European discovery of plants and animals

Mt Cook lily (2nd of 3)

Mt Cook lily

The Mt Cook lily (Ranunculus lyallii) was first described by surgeon David Lyall, who sailed around New Zealand on the Acheron in 1848. It is not in fact a lily but a buttercup – the world’s largest. Lyall was particularly interested in the so-called ‘lower’ groups of plants, such as mosses and lichens.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10056196
Photograph by Rod Morris

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How to cite this page:

John Andrews, 'European discovery of plants and animals - Expeditions and surveys: 1830s–1870s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10974/mt-cook-lily (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by John Andrews, published 24 Sep 2007