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I believe the key uses the presence or absence of hooked spines on the burrs to seperate these two although of course that’s only so useful. When plants are exclusively in leaf I find the most accurate detail in the presence of hairs on the leaf undersurface, in A.ovina they are densely pilose whilst in A.echinata they are restricted to the midrib and leaf edge.
Generally speaking A.echinata is somewhat smaller than A.ovina which also has a more erect form. I don’t find any profound differences between habitat preference; both occur in grassland, box gum woodland etc.
Another good tip is that A.echinata is clonal, so will often form little groups of small rosettes, whilst A.ovina is not - though that’s Dr Meredith Cosgrove’s input not mine!!
Hope that helps!
Acaena echinata
To distinguish Acaena echinacea from Acaena ovina, you can look at several key morphological features, particularly the leaves, burrs (fruit), and growth habit:
1. Leaves
•Acaena echinacea: Leaves are typically broader, with more prominent toothed (serrated) leaflets. They can have a more robust, lush appearance.
•Acaena ovina: Leaves are smaller and narrower, often more finely divided and greyish or woolly (which reflects its adaptation to drier, more open habitats like tussock grasslands).
2. Burrs (Fruits)
•Acaena echinacea: Burrs have long, hooked spines which are more conspicuous and help with animal dispersal.
•Acaena ovina: Burrs tend to be smaller and less spiny; they are still barbed but less robust than those of A. echinacea.
3. Habit and Habitat
•Acaena echinacea: Usually found in moister, lower-altitude areas, often in open grasslands or disturbed areas. It can form dense mats.
•Acaena ovina: Found more often in high country, dry or exposed areas, particularly in tussock grasslands.
4. Color and Texture
•Acaena ovina may have a more grey-green or bluish foliage due to fine hairs, while A. echinacea is usually brighter green and glossier.
I think mine is Acaena echinata
Acaena echinata
Acaena echinata
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