New Zealand Journal of Botany abstract

A new, rare species of Melicytus (Violaceae) from New Zealand

B. P. J. MOLLOY

Research Associate
Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research
P. O. Box 69
Lincoln, New Zealand

B. D. CLARKSON

Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research
Private Bag 3127
Hamilton, New Zealand

Abstract  A new species of Melicytus, M. drucei, is described and illustrated. It has some features in common with diploid M. flexuosus and an undescribed taxon which forms part of the tetraploid M. alpinus complex, and is believed to be a stable triploid hybrid between these two.

M. drucei is known only from the Ahukawakawa Swamp and Pouakai Range, Egmont National Park, where it is restricted to the Pouakai volcano (250k yrs), and is associated with a small, distinct group of other shrubs. It is regarded as a unique, rare, and threatened species.

Keywords  Violaceae; Melicytus; M. alpinus; M. flexuosus; M. drucei; new species; triploid; taxonomy; New Zealand flora

B96007

Received 23 January 1996; accepted 22 July 1996

PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (1614K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)

This year's abstracts |Journal home page |All abstracts | Publishing home page