Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Ranunculus L., Sp. Pl. 548 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Buttercup; Kākawariki; Kawariki; Kōpukupuku; Korikori; Pukuku; pukupuku; Raoriki
 Description

Perennial, sometimes annual, terrestrial or aquatic herbs; roots fibrous or swollen, sometimes arising from a stout or bulbous rootstock. Lvs usually alternate, rarely opposite, basal and cauline, simple or variously divided to 2-pinnatisect. Fls solitary or in lax leafy cymes; involucre 0. Sepals green, (3)–5–(7). Petals (0)–5–(12 or more), usually yellow, sometimes white, brown or reddish; nectaries near base of petal, 1–(3), pit-like, covered by a scale or naked. Stamens few to many, spiralled. Carpels few to many, with 1 ovule. Achenes few to many; style neither greatly elongated nor feathery. Receptacle glabrous or hairy, globular or cylindric.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Non-endemic)
Number of species in New Zealand within Ranunculus L.
CategoryNumber
Indigenous (Endemic)41
Indigenous (Non-endemic)3
Exotic: Fully Naturalised12
Total56
 Bibliography
Connor, H.E. 1977: The Poisonous Plants in New Zealand. Edition 2. Government Printer, Wellington.
Connor, H.E.; Fountain, J. 2009: Plants that Poison: A New Zealand Guide. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.