The Winteraceae of the Old World. I. Pseudowintera and Drimys — Morphology and taxonomy

摘要: The primitive woody Angiosperm family Winteraceae is centred in the southwest Pacific, has an outpost Madagascar (1 species), and a section of Drimys (4 species) New World. Pseudowintera restricted to Zealand, Old World Tasmannia extends from Philippines Tasmania. Since A. C. Smith’s review 1943 about ten times as much material become available it appears that taxonomy far more complicated than seemed be 1943. This induced me make field study Guinea pay special attention its morphology hope finding additional criteria. On this basis Australian species could better defined but characters Guinean taxa (Smith: 29 proved highly unstable. It was found stomata are occluded by waxy plugs. structure inflorescence described compared with Drimys. In flower two zones distinguished. lower zone floral appendages arranged (sub)opposite pairs, higher they according space at greatest possible distance focus apex which I termed ‘activity centre’; centre often does not coincide ‘topographical apex’. tilt influence arrangements well. Shifting determination factors relation locations on assumed play important role. As for specific delimitation, appeared crux. very heterogeneous did show correlated discontinuities characters, made impossible reach division into species. variability resulting complex piperita aid non-taxonomic subdivision, units wich called ‘entities’. Field studies revealed local populations stable, morphological between such obscured other localities. supposed vegetative propagation observed field, combined incidental cross-breeding, may importance establishing situation. Australia besides D. four can sections maintained, although Ehrendorfer c.s. Smith proposed raising them generic rank. arrangement within spiral, decussate earlier, terminal present. Minute hairs bracts young leaves, mode opening calyx cupule, details leaf surface used new set characters. fact twenty per cent specimens varying combinations thought caused hybridisation.