Pelser et al—Oil-containing rudimentary branches in a NZ moss

New Zealand Journal of Botany abstracts

What is the function of oil-containing rudimentary branches in the moss Canalohypopterygium tamariscinum ?

Pieter B. Pelser

Hans (J. D.) Kruijer

Nationaal Herbarium Nederland – Universiteit Leiden branch
P.O. Box 9514
2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands

Rob Verpoorte

LACDR, Department of Pharmacognosy
Universiteit Leiden
P.O. Box 9502
2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands

Abstract The New Zealand moss Canalohypopterygium tamariscinum (Hypopterygiaceae) is characterised by rudimentary branches. These branches have cavities that are filled with oil, which is a feature in mosses which is shared only with Catharomnion ciliatum (Hypopterygiaceae). The oil of Canalohypopterygium tamariscinum mainly consists of apolar hydrocarbons. This oil may have an energy storage function, serve to repel (in)vertebrates, fungi, or bacteria, or may be an adaptation to life in humid or harsh environmental conditions. Alternatively, the oil might have had a distinct function in the past, which has been lost in the course of evolution.

Keywords Canalohypopterygium tamariscinum; Catharomnion ciliatum; Hypopterygiaceae; rudimentary branches; cavities; oil

B01019 Received 18 May 2001; accepted 16 November 2001
New Zealand Journal of Botany, 2002, Vol. 40 : 149–153
0028–825X/02/4001–0149 $7.00 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2002

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