Peter J. de Lange

Contributions to a chromosome atlas of the New Zealand flora ‐ 35. Miscellaneous familie

Abstract Documented chromosome numbers are reported for 33 species, 7 subspecies, 9 varieties, 2 forma, 2 hybrids, and 14 taxa of uncertain rank from 21 families ofangiosperms. Thirty‐eight of these are for previously uncounted taxa and hybrids. The majority of the counts are for nationally uncommon and threatened, or newly described plants. In the majority of genera the numbers follow established patterns but new examples of polyploid series have been found in New Zealand species of Crassula and Gratiola.

Parallel polyploid speciation: distinct sympatric gene‐pools of recurrently derived allo‐octoploid Asplenium ferns

Although polyploidy is widespread, its significance to the generation of biodiversity remains unclear. Many polyploids have been derived recurrently. For a particular polyploid, gene‐flow between the products of independent origin is typical where they come into contact. Here, we use AFLP DNA‐fingerprinting and chloroplast DNA sequences to demonstrate parallel polyploid speciation within both of the ferns Asplenium cimmeriorum and A. gracillimum. Both of these taxa comprise at least two allopolyploids, recurrently derived from the same progenitor pair. Each of these allopolyploids remain genetically distinguishable even with extensive sympatry, and could therefore be considered distinct species. To our knowledge, parallel speciation on this scale amongst recurrent polyploids has not been previously reported. With their parallel origins, these ‘evolutionary replicates’ provide an unrivalled opportunity to investigate how the reproductive barriers and ecological differentiation necessary for speciation arise following polyploidy.

Frullania knightbridgei, a new liverwort (Frullaniaceae, Marchantiophyta) species from the deep south of Aotearoa-New Zealand based on an integrated evidence-based approach

Abstract Frullania is a large and taxonomically complex genus. A new liverwort species, Frullania knightbridgei sp. nov. from southern New Zealand, is described and illustrated. The new species, and its placement in Frullania subg. Microfrullania, is based on an integrated evidence-based approach derived from morphology, ecology, experimental growth studies of plasticity, as well as sequence data. Diagnostic characters associated with the leaf and lobule cell-wall anatomy, oil bodies, and spore ultra-structure distinguish it from all other New Zealand species of Frullania. A critical comparison is also made between Frullania knightbridgei and morphologically allied species of botanical regions outside the New Zealand region and an artificial key is provided. The new species is similar to some forms of the widespread Australasian species, Frullania rostrata, but has unique characters associated with the lobule and oil bodies. Frullania knightbridgei is remarkably interesting in comparison with the majority of Frullania species, and indeed liverworts in general, in that it is at least partially halotolerant. Maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses of nuclear ribosomal ITS2 and plastidic trnL-trnF sequences from purported related speciesconfirms its independent taxonomic status and corroborates its placement within Frullania subg. Microfrullania.

Schoenoplectus californicus (Cyperaceae) in New Zealand

Abstract Ecological, taxonomic, and physiological notes are given on Schoenoplectus californicus. This species has been recently recorded as naturalised in New Zealand, despite the possibility that it may have been present in the country since c. 1900 and overlooked through confusion with the indigenous S. tabernaemontani. This large aquatic reed currently occupies extensive areas along the Wairoa and Waikato Rivers on the west coast of the north‐ern North Island, and has also been planted in artificial wetlands. It grows vigorously and produces viable seed. Unknown factors may be restricting its spread.

A revision of the New Zealand Kunzea ericoides (Myrtaceae) complex

Abstract A revision of the New Zealand Kunzea ericoides complex is presented. This paper is the final of a series that has explored the systematics of the New Zealand Kunzea complex using cytological and molecular variation, as well as experimental hybridisations between postulated segregates. As a result of those studies ten species, all endemic to New Zealand, are recognised; seven of these are new. One species, Kunzea triregensis sp. nov., is endemic to the Three Kings Islands and another species Kunzea sinclairii, endemic to Aotea (Great Barrier Island). The North Island of New Zealand has seven species, Kunzea amathicola sp. nov., Kunzea salterae sp. nov., Kunzea serotina sp. nov., Kunzea robusta sp. nov., Kunzea tenuicaulis sp. nov., Kunzea toelkenii sp. nov., and Kunzea linearis comb. nov. Of these, Kunzea linearis, Kunzea salterae, Kunzea tenuicaulis and Kunzea toelkenii are endemic to the North Island, and Kunzea amathicola, Kunzea robusta and Kunzea serotina extend to the South Island which also supports one endemic, Kunzea ericoides. Typifications are published for Leptospermum ericoides A.Rich., Leptospermum ericoides var. linearis Kirk, Leptospermum ericoides var. microflorum G.Simps., Leptospermum ericoides var. pubescens Kirk, and Leptospermum sinclairii Kirk, names here all referred to Kunzea. The ecology, conservation, extent of natural hybridisation and some aspects of the ethnobotany (vernacular names) of these Kunzea are also discussed.A revision of the New Zealand Kunzea ericoides complex is presented. This paper is the final of a series that has explored the systematics of the New Zealand Kunzea complex using cytological and molecular variation, as well as experimental hybridisations between postulated segregates. As a result of those studies ten species, all endemic to New Zealand, are recognised; seven of these are new. One species, Kunzea triregensis sp. nov., is endemic to the Three Kings Islands and another species Kunzea sinclairii, endemic to Aotea (Great Barrier Island). The North Island of New Zealand has seven species, Kunzea amathicola sp. nov., Kunzea salterae sp. nov., Kunzea serotina sp. nov., Kunzea robusta sp. nov., Kunzea tenuicaulis sp. nov., Kunzea toelkenii sp. nov., and Kunzea linearis comb. nov. Of these, Kunzea linearis, Kunzea salterae, Kunzea tenuicaulis and Kunzea toelkenii are endemic to the North Island, and Kunzea amathicola, Kunzea robusta and Kunzea serotina extend to the South Island which also supports one endemic, Kunzea ericoides. Typifications are published for Leptospermum ericoides A.Rich., Leptospermum ericoides var. linearis Kirk, Leptospermum ericoides var. microflorum G.Simps., Leptospermum ericoides var. pubescens Kirk, and Leptospermum sinclairii Kirk, names here all referred to Kunzea. The ecology, conservation, extent of natural hybridisation and some aspects of the ethnobotany (vernacular names) of these Kunzea are also discussed.

A taxonomic reappraisal of Coprosma obconica Kirk (Rubiaceae: Anthospermeae)

Abstract Following a morphological study of Coprosma obconica, a new subspecies, subsp. distantia, is recognised and an emended circumscription of C. obconica provided. C. obconica sens. lat. has several morphological features that are unusual in the genus: a leaf margin notably thickened by an encircling vein composed mainly of fibres, a subtriangular apical prolongation to the blade, and swollen pyrenes with a deep ventral indentation. C. obconica subsp. obconica is an erect, small‐leaved, divaricating shrub with greenish white drupes streaked or blotched violet‐purple. It has a mainly South Island distribution, favouring, with the exception of ultramafic rocks and soils, base‐rich substrates. The new subspecies, C. obconica subsp. distantia, is an ultramafic endemic, confined to the 120 ha Surville Cliffs Serpentinite Formation at North Cape. It is distinguished from subsp. obconica by its prostrate habit, long‐trailing branches, and cream‐ or lemon‐coloured drupes. The neotype of C. obconica is replaced by a lectotype. The conservation status of both subspecies is reviewed.

Atriplex cinerea (Chenopodiaceae) in New Zealand

Abstract Atriplex cinerea (Chenopodiaceae), a common coastal Australian salt bush, has been treated as adventive to New Zealand since 1940. Evidence is presented which refutes this claim and reinstates A. cinerea as indigenous to New Zealand. A detailed description and chromosome count (based on New Zealand material) for A. cinerea is provided, and a lectotype is selected for the species. Aspects of the ecology, means of seed dispersal, and the conservation of the species are reviewed. It is concluded that A. cinerea is a further example of a distinctive vagrant element within the indigenous flora of New Zealand.

Geographic variation in morphology and flavonoid chemistry in Hebe pubescens and H. bollonsii (Scrophulariaceae), including a new infraspecific classification for H. pubescens

Abstract Geographic variation in morphology, leaf anatomy, and flavonoid chemistry is appraised in Hebe pubescens, H. bollonsii, and allied plants from islands of outer Hauraki Gulf, North Island, New Zealand. The circumscription of H. pubescens is modified to include plants from Great Barrier, Little Barrier, and the Mokohinau Islands, as well as the Coromandel Peninsula and immediately surrounding islands. A new infraspecific classification is proposed for H. pubescens, wherein three subspecies are recognised. Subspecies pubescens occurs on the Coromandel Peninsula and immediately surrounding islands, and also at Papanui Point on the western coast of the Firth of Thames. Subspecies rehuarum occurs on Great Barrier Island. Subspecies sejuncta occurs primarily on the Mokohinau Islands and Little Barrier Island, with a single plant also known on Great Barrier Island. Populations of H. pubescens probably form a cline of variation, and some forms of subsp. sejuncta share morphological features with H. bollonsii, which is here considered restricted to the Poor Knights Islands, the Hen and Chickens Islands, and nearby areas of the Northland coast. Possible relationships of H. pubescens and H. bollonsii are discussed. A key to the taxa of Hebe pubescens is provided.

New Lepidium (Brassicaceae) from New Zealand

Abstract A revision of the New Zealand endemic Lepidium oleraceum and allied species is presented. Sixteen species are recognised, 10 of these are new. The new species are segregated on the basis of morphological characters supported by molecular data obtained from three DNA markers (two rDNA and one cpDNA). One species, Lepidium castellanum sp. nov., is endemic to the Kermadec Islands where it is sympatric with Lepidium oleraceum. The North Island of New Zealand supports four species, with two of them, Lepidium amissum sp. nov. and Lepidium obtusatum, now extinct. The South Island supports six species, that, aside from Lepidium banksii, Lepidium flexicaule and Lepidium oleraceum, are all confined to the south-eastern half of the island (Lepidium aegrum sp. nov., Lepidium crassum sp. nov. and Lepidium juvencum sp. nov.). One of these, Lepidium juvencum sp. nov., extends to Stewart Island. The Chatham Islands support six species (Lepidium flexicaule, Lepidium oblitum sp. nov., Lepidium oleraceum, Lepidium oligodontum sp. nov., Lepidium panniforme sp. nov., and Lepidium rekohuense sp. nov.), one of which, Lepidium oligodontum sp. nov., extends to the Antipodes Islands group. The remote, subantarctic Bounty Islands group supports one endemic, Lepidium seditiosum sp. nov., which is the only vascular plant to be recorded from there. Lepidium limenophylax sp. nov. is known from islands off the south-western side of Stewart Island/Rakiura, The Snares and Auckland islands. Lepidium naufragorum, although not related to Lepidium oleraceum and its allies, is also treated because populations with entire leaves are now known. Typification is undertaken for Lepidium banksii, Lepidium oleraceum, Lepidium oleraceum var. acutidentatum, var. frondosum and var. serrulatum.

Species tree phylogeny and character evolution in the genus Centipeda (Asteraceae): Evidence from DNA sequences from coding and non-coding loci from the plastid and nuclear genomes

A species tree phylogeny of the Australian/New Zealand genus Centipeda (Asteraceae) is estimated based on nucleotide sequence data. We analysed sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ETS, ITS) and three plasmid loci (ndhF, psbA-trnH, and trnL-F) using the multi-species coalescent module in BEAST. A total of 129 individuals from all 10 recognised species of Centipeda were sampled throughout the species distribution ranges, including two subspecies. We conclude that the inferred species tree topology largely conform previous assumptions on species relationships. Centipeda racemosa (Snuffweed) is the sister to remaining species, which is also the only consistently perennial representative in the genus. Centipeda pleiocephala (Tall Sneezeweed) and C. nidiformis (Cotton Sneezeweed) constitute a species pair, as does C. borealis and C. minima (Spreading Sneezeweed), all sharing the symplesiomorphic characters of spherical capitulum and convex receptacle with C. racemosa. Another species group comprising C. thespidioides (Desert Sneezeweed), C. cunninghamii (Old man weed, or Common sneeze-weed), C. crateriformis is well-supported but then include the morphologically aberrant C. aotearoana, all sharing the character of having capitula that mature more slowly relative the subtending shoot. Centipeda elatinoides takes on a weakly supported intermediate position between the two mentioned groups, and is difficult to relate to any of the former groups based on morphological characters.