DOCSLIB.ORG

Vegetation Patterns and Dynamics of Renosterveld at Agter-Groeneberg Conservancy, Western Cape, South Africa

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Vegetation Patterns and Dynamics of Renosterveld at Agter-Groeneberg Conservancy, Western Cape, South Africa Vegetation Patterns and Dynamics of Renosterveld at Agter-Groeneberg Conservancy, Western Cape, South Africa By Benjamin Alan Walton Thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at the Stellenbosch University Supervisor Professor Sue J Milton (Department of Conservation Ecology) Co-supervisors A le Roux (CapeNature) Professor L Mucina (Department of Botany and Zoology) April 2006 i Φ Poem “Colour awash over forelands of fertile clay” “When the winters’ cold and grim the Oxalis’s start to brim - they open up. The first feast for bees, in the shrubland short of trees not breeze. Sun’s rays soon last longer in the days: Babianas, Chlorophytums, Geissorhizas, Gladiolius’s, Hesperanthas, Lachenalias, Moraeas and Trachyandras spread their cheerful gaze. Accompanied by annual daisies and bright gladioli filling the air with strong scents of honey - monkey beetles waste no time as they perch upon delicate flowers, lest they are caught in the season’s showers. As if to suggest this is the best nature sends small midge flies to pollinate in jest, and surround mammals to tease their bloody channels. Another month has come and gone - not long now for the raaptol and Micranthus which provide nectar for brown butterflies and painted ladies. Then is the last sequence of bulbs - the fine white-filled fields of chinkerinchees. Grasses’ hour is now soaking up the sun displaying beautifully crafted silhouettes till summers end. As if heaven sent delicate geophytes are still producing their charm, when botanists avoid the midday sun. A brief lapse in displays until the autumn reds begin the seasonal cycles.” Figure a: From left to right: Moraea villosa (Ker Gawl.) Ker Gawl. subsp. villosa, Gladiolus watsonius Thunb. and Lampranthus elegans (Jacq.) Schwantes ii Declaration I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the work contained in this thesis is my own original work and that I have not previously, in its entirety or in part, submitted it at any university for a degree. Signature…………………………………. Date…………………………. Dedicated to my daughter June Protea Walton For those who cherish wild landscapes filled with wild plants and animals iii Table of Contents Vegetation Patterns and Dynamics of Renosterveld at Agter-Groeneberg Conservancy, Western Cape, South Africa ............................................................................................................... Φ Poem.................................................................................................................................................i Declaration..........................................................................................................................................ii Table of Contents ..............................................................................................................................iii List of Figures.....................................................................................................................................v List of Tables ...................................................................................................................................viii Preface................................................................................................................................................ix Abstract...............................................................................................................................................x Acknowledgements ..........................................................................................................................xii Chapter 1: Renosterveld: Concept, Ecology and Variability ........................................................1 1.1. Introduction...................................................................................................................................2 1.2. Concept of Renosterveld...............................................................................................................5 1.3. Patterns of Functional Types.........................................................................................................8 1.4. Geology and Soils .......................................................................................................................10 1.5. Climate........................................................................................................................................11 1.6. Disturbance and Vegetation Dynamics.......................................................................................12 1.6.1. Fire .......................................................................................................................................13 1.6.2. Biotic Influence....................................................................................................................18 1.6.3. Succession............................................................................................................................22 1.7. Distribution, Typology and Floristics of Renosterveld...............................................................27 1.8. Conservation Implications ..........................................................................................................29 1.9. References...................................................................................................................................32 Chapter 2: Agter-Groeneberg Conservancy: Description of the Study Area ............................46 2.1. The Study Area ...........................................................................................................................47 2.2. Major Vegetation Patterns ..........................................................................................................48 2.3. Rainfall and Temperature Patterns..............................................................................................51 2.4. Geology and Soils .......................................................................................................................52 2.5. Disturbance .................................................................................................................................55 2.5.1. Fire History ..........................................................................................................................55 2.5.2. Grazing Intensity..................................................................................................................56 2.5.3. Ploughing .............................................................................................................................57 2.5.4. Invasive Alien Plant Species................................................................................................58 2.6. References...................................................................................................................................59 Chapter 3: Vegetation Community Patterns in Renosterveld and Old-fields at Agter- Groeneberg Conservancy near Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa .................................62 3.1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................63 3.2. Materials and Methods................................................................................................................65 3.2.1. Vegetation Data....................................................................................................................65 3.2.2. Environmental Data .............................................................................................................67 3.2.3. Soil Sampling and Analysis .................................................................................................69 iv 3.2.4. Methods of Vegetation Classification..................................................................................71 3.2.5. Nomenclature of Plants and Plant Communities .................................................................72 3.2.6. Multivariate Analyses ..........................................................................................................72 3.3. Results.........................................................................................................................................73 3.3.1. Classification of Vegetation.................................................................................................73 3.3.2. Ordination ............................................................................................................................78 3.4. Discussion ...................................................................................................................................90 3.4.1. Vegetation Community Patterns ..........................................................................................90 3.4.2. Gradient Analyses................................................................................................................92 3.5. References...................................................................................................................................94 Chapter 4: Vegetation Dynamics of Renosterveld at Agter-Groeneberg Conservancy, Western Cape, South Africa.........................................................................................................................100 4.1. Introduction...............................................................................................................................101
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Antimicrobial and Chemical Analyses of Selected Bulbine Species
    ./ /' ANTIMICROBIAL AND CHEMICAL ANALYSES OF SELECTED BULBINE SPECIES BY f' CHUNDERIKA MOCKTAR Submitted in part fulfilment ofthe requirements for the degree of Master of Medical Science (Pharmaceutical Microbiolgy) i,n the Department of Pharmacy in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Universi1y of Durban-Westville Promotor: Dr S.Y. Essack Co-promotors: Prof. B.C. Rogers Prof. C.M. Dangor .., To my children, Dipika, Jivesh and Samika Page ii sse "" For Shri Vishnu for the guidance and blessings Page iji CONTENTS PAGE Summary IV Acknowledgements VI List ofFigures vu List ofTables X CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW 1 1.1 Introduction 3 1.1.1 Background and motivation for the study 3 1.1.2 Aims 6 1.2 Literature Review 6 1.2.1 Bacteriology 7 1.2.1.1 Size and shape ofbacteria 7 1.2.1.2 Structure ofBacteria 7 1.2.1.3 The Bacterial Cell Wall 8 1.2.2 Mycology 10 1.2.3 Traditional Medicine in South Africa 12 1.2.3.1 Traditional healers and reasons for consultation 12 1.2.3.2 The integration oftraditional healing systems with western Medicine 13 1.2.3.3 Advantages and Disadvantages ofconsulting traditional healers 14 1.2.4 Useful Medicinal Plants 16 1.2.5 Adverse effects ofplants used medicinally 17 1.2.6 The Bulbine species 19 1.2.6.1 The Asphodelaceae 19 1.2.6.2 Botany ofthe Bulbine species 19 CHAPTER TWO: MATERIALS AND METHODS 27 2.1 Preparation ofthe crude extracts 29 2.1.1 Collection ofthe plant material 30 2.1.2 Organic Extraction 30 2.1.3 Aqueous Extraction 31 2.2 Antibacterial Activities 31 2.2.1 Bacteriology 31 2.2.2 Preparation ofthe Bacterial Cultures 33 2.2.3 Preparation ofthe Agar Plates 33 2.2.4 Preparation ofCrude Extracts 33 2.2.5 Disk Diffusion Method 34 2.2.6 Bore Well Method 34 2.3 Mycology 34 2.3.1 Fungi used in this study 34 2.3.2 Preparation ofFungal Spores 35 2.3.3 Preparation ofC.
    [Show full text]
  • Tulbagh Renosterveld Project Report
    BP TULBAGH RENOSTERVELD PROJECT Introduction The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is the smallest and richest floral kingdom of the world. In an area of approximately 90 000km² there are over 9 000 plant species found (Goldblatt & Manning 2000). The CFR is recognized as one of the 33 global biodiversity hotspots (Myers, 1990) and has recently received World Heritage Status. In 2002 the Cape Action Plan for the Environment (CAPE) programme identified the lowlands of the CFR as 100% irreplaceable, meaning that to achieve conservation targets all lowland fragments would have to be conserved and no further loss of habitat should be allowed. Renosterveld , an asteraceous shrubland that predominantly occurs in the lowland areas of the CFR, is the most threatened vegetation type in South Africa . Only five percent of this highly fragmented vegetation type still remains (Von Hase et al 2003). Most of these Renosterveld fragments occur on privately owned land making it the least represented vegetation type in the South African Protected Areas network. More importantly, because of the fragmented nature of Renosterveld it has a high proportion of plants that are threatened with extinction. The Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) project, which works with civil society groups in the CFR to update information on threatened plants, has identified the Tulbagh valley as a high priority for conservation action. This is due to the relatively large amount of Renosterveld that remains in the valley and the high amount of plant endemism. The CAPE program has also identified areas in need of fine scale plans and the Tulbagh area falls within one of these: The Upper Breede River planning domain.
    [Show full text]
  • Tracing History
    Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Science and Technology 911 Tracing History Phylogenetic, Taxonomic, and Biogeographic Research in the Colchicum Family BY ANNIKA VINNERSTEN ACTA UNIVERSITATIS UPSALIENSIS UPPSALA 2003 Dissertation presented at Uppsala University to be publicly examined in Lindahlsalen, EBC, Uppsala, Friday, December 12, 2003 at 10:00 for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The examination will be conducted in English. Abstract Vinnersten, A. 2003. Tracing History. Phylogenetic, Taxonomic and Biogeographic Research in the Colchicum Family. Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Science and Technology 911. 33 pp. Uppsala. ISBN 91-554-5814-9 This thesis concerns the history and the intrafamilial delimitations of the plant family Colchicaceae. A phylogeny of 73 taxa representing all genera of Colchicaceae, except the monotypic Kuntheria, is presented. The molecular analysis based on three plastid regions—the rps16 intron, the atpB- rbcL intergenic spacer, and the trnL-F region—reveal the intrafamilial classification to be in need of revision. The two tribes Iphigenieae and Uvularieae are demonstrated to be paraphyletic. The well-known genus Colchicum is shown to be nested within Androcymbium, Onixotis constitutes a grade between Neodregea and Wurmbea, and Gloriosa is intermixed with species of Littonia. Two new tribes are described, Burchardieae and Tripladenieae, and the two tribes Colchiceae and Uvularieae are emended, leaving four tribes in the family. At generic level new combinations are made in Wurmbea and Gloriosa in order to render them monophyletic. The genus Androcymbium is paraphyletic in relation to Colchicum and the latter genus is therefore expanded.
    [Show full text]
  • Bulbinella Rossii
    Bulbinella rossii COMMON NAME Ross Lily SYNONYMS Chrysobactron rossii Hook.f.; Anthericum rossii (Hook.f.) Hook.f. FAMILY Asphodelaceae AUTHORITY Bulbinella rossii (Hook.f.) Cheeseman FLORA CATEGORY Vascular – Native ENDEMIC TAXON Yes ENDEMIC GENUS Enderby Island. Photographer: Jane Gosden No ENDEMIC FAMILY No STRUCTURAL CLASS Herbs - Monocots NVS CODE BULROS CHROMOSOME NUMBER Sub Antarctic Islands. Photographer: Chris 2n = 14 Rance CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUS 2012 | At Risk – Naturally Uncommon | Qualifiers: RR PREVIOUS CONSERVATION STATUSES 2009 | At Risk – Naturally Uncommon 2004 | Range Restricted DISTRIBUTION Endemic. Auckland and Campbell Islands HABITAT Widespread and common from sea level to the tops of island ranges. Flourishes in disturbed sites, and so common near old habitations and because it is not especially palatable, where browsing animals congregate. prefers open herbfield and tussock grassland, where it may form dense colonies. FEATURES Dioecious, stout, perennial lily up to 1 m tall and 40 mm diameter at the base. Leaves fleshy, 0.6-1m x 15-60 mm wide, dark green, obtuse to subacute, apices recurved, nerves faint to prominent, easily felt when fresh. Peduncle up to 10 mm diameter, usually < leaf length. Inflorescence a cylindric raceme up to 150 x 600 mm; bracts and pedicels of almost equal length in female flowers and conspicuous in bud; in males < pedicels and inconspicuous in bud; pedicels 10-20 mm long, swollen just below flower. Flowers numerous, densely crowded, 10-14 mm diameter, golden yellow to sulphur yellow, often faintly tinged with orange; tepals oblong-ovate, spreading in males in females erect and remaining so, usually hardening as fruit ripens. Stamens < tepals; anthers in males conspicuously filled with pollen, in females rudimentary.
    [Show full text]
  • A Global Overview of Protected Areas on the World Heritage List of Particular Importance for Biodiversity
    A GLOBAL OVERVIEW OF PROTECTED AREAS ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE FOR BIODIVERSITY A contribution to the Global Theme Study of World Heritage Natural Sites Text and Tables compiled by Gemma Smith and Janina Jakubowska Maps compiled by Ian May UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre Cambridge, UK November 2000 Disclaimer: The contents of this report and associated maps do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UNEP-WCMC or contributory organisations. The designations employed and the presentations do not imply the expressions of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNEP-WCMC or contributory organisations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authority, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION 1.0 OVERVIEW......................................................................................................................................................1 2.0 ISSUES TO CONSIDER....................................................................................................................................1 3.0 WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY?..............................................................................................................................2 4.0 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY......................................................................................................................3 5.0 CURRENT WORLD HERITAGE SITES............................................................................................................4
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity and Ecology of Critically Endangered, Rûens Silcrete Renosterveld in the Buffeljagsrivier Area, Swellendam
    Biodiversity and Ecology of Critically Endangered, Rûens Silcrete Renosterveld in the Buffeljagsrivier area, Swellendam by Johannes Philippus Groenewald Thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Science in Conservation Ecology in the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University Supervisor: Prof. Michael J. Samways Co-supervisor: Dr. Ruan Veldtman December 2014 Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za Declaration I hereby declare that the work contained in this thesis, for the degree of Master of Science in Conservation Ecology, is my own work that have not been previously published in full or in part at any other University. All work that are not my own, are acknowledge in the thesis. ___________________ Date: ____________ Groenewald J.P. Copyright © 2014 Stellenbosch University All rights reserved ii Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za Acknowledgements Firstly I want to thank my supervisor Prof. M. J. Samways for his guidance and patience through the years and my co-supervisor Dr. R. Veldtman for his help the past few years. This project would not have been possible without the help of Prof. H. Geertsema, who helped me with the identification of the Lepidoptera and other insect caught in the study area. Also want to thank Dr. K. Oberlander for the help with the identification of the Oxalis species found in the study area and Flora Cameron from CREW with the identification of some of the special plants growing in the area. I further express my gratitude to Dr. Odette Curtis from the Overberg Renosterveld Project, who helped with the identification of the rare species found in the study area as well as information about grazing and burning of Renosterveld.
    [Show full text]
  • Know Your National Parks
    KNOW YOUR NATIONAL PARKS 1 KNOW YOUR NATIONAL PARKS KNOW YOUR NATIONAL PARKS Our Parks, Our Heritage Table of contents Minister’s Foreword 4 CEO’s Foreword 5 Northern Region 8 Marakele National Park 8 Golden Gate Highlands National Park 10 Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage site 11 Arid Region 12 Augrabies Falls National Park 12 Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park 13 Mokala National Park 14 Namaqua National Park 15 /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park 16 Cape Region 18 Table Mountain National Park 18 Bontebok National Park 19 Agulhas National Park 20 West Coast National Park 21 Tankwa-Karoo National Park 22 Frontier Region 23 Addo Elephant National Park 23 Karoo National Park 24 DID YOU Camdeboo National Park 25 KNOW? Mountain Zebra National Park 26 Marakele National Park is Garden Route National Park 27 found in the heart of Waterberg Mountains.The name Marakele Kruger National Park 28 is a Tswana name, which Vision means a ‘place of sanctuary’. A sustainable National Park System connecting society Fun and games 29 About SA National Parks Week 31 Mission To develop, expand, manage and promote a system of sustainable national parks that represent biodiversity and heritage assets, through innovation and best practice for the just and equitable benefit of current and future generation. 2 3 KNOW YOUR NATIONAL PARKS KNOW YOUR NATIONAL PARKS Minister’s Foreword CEO’s Foreword We are blessed to live in a country like ours, which has areas by all should be encouraged through a variety of The staging of SA National Parks Week first took place been hailed as a miracle in respect of our transition to a programmes.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ecology of Large Herbivores Native to the Coastal Lowlands of the Fynbos Biome in the Western Cape, South Africa
    The ecology of large herbivores native to the coastal lowlands of the Fynbos Biome in the Western Cape, South Africa by Frans Gustav Theodor Radloff Dissertation presented for the degree of Doctor of Science (Botany) at Stellenbosh University Promoter: Prof. L. Mucina Co-Promoter: Prof. W. J. Bond December 2008 DECLARATION By submitting this dissertation electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the owner of the copyright thereof (unless to the extent explicitly otherwise stated) and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification. Date: 24 November 2008 Copyright © 2008 Stellenbosch University All rights reserved ii ABSTRACT The south-western Cape is a unique region of southern Africa with regards to generally low soil nutrient status, winter rainfall and unusually species-rich temperate vegetation. This region supported a diverse large herbivore (> 20 kg) assemblage at the time of permanent European settlement (1652). The lowlands to the west and east of the Kogelberg supported populations of African elephant, black rhino, hippopotamus, eland, Cape mountain and plain zebra, ostrich, red hartebeest, and grey rhebuck. The eastern lowlands also supported three additional ruminant grazer species - the African buffalo, bontebok, and blue antelope. The fate of these herbivores changed rapidly after European settlement. Today the few remaining species are restricted to a few reserves scattered across the lowlands. This is, however, changing with a rapid growth in the wildlife industry that is accompanied by the reintroduction of wild animals into endangered and fragmented lowland areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Botanical Assessment-N2 Arrestor Bed Sir Lowrys Pass Rev
    Botanical Assessment for the proposed Arrestor Bed on the N2 National Highway at Sir Lowry’s Pass, City of Cape Town, Western Cape Province Report by Dr David J. McDonald Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC. 14A Thomson Road, Claremont, 7708 Tel: 021-671-4056 Fax: 086-517-3806 Report prepared for Aurecon South Africa (Pty) Ltd August 2015 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The botanical assessment reported here was commissioned to support the environmental authorization process required for the proposed construction of an arrestor bed on the south side of the N2 National Highway at the base of Sir Lowry’s Pass, near Somerset West, Western Cape Province. Only one alternative layout was investigated and assessed. The study area is found in the transition zone or ecotone between Boland Granite Fynbos and Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos. Both are regarded as Vulnerable on a national conservation scale. The arrestor bed site would cover less than 0.5 ha and most of the vegetation found is natural. There are small clusters of woody invasive aliens as well as invasive grasses, notably Kikuyu grass. These plant species should be controlled prior to commencement of construction. Although there would be complete loss of natural fynbos vegetation on the site the impact assessment indicates that since the area is small and linear the overall direct impact of the arrestor bed in the construction and operational phases would be Minor negative . On-site mitigation to accommodate the loss of the fynbos vegetation would not be possible but other mitigation measures to avoid disturbance impacts beyond the footprint should be implemented.
    [Show full text]
  • ISTA List of Stabilised Plant Names 7Th Edition
    ISTA List of Stabilised Plant Names 7th Edition ISTA Nomenclature Committee Chair Dr. M. Schori Published by All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in Richtiarkade 18, CH- 8304 Wallisellen, Switzerland any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior ©2021 International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) permission in writing from ISTA. ISBN 978-3-906549-77-4 Valid from: 16.06.2021 ISTA List of Stabilised Plant Names 1st Edition 1966 ISTA Nomenclature Committee Chair: Prof P. A. Linehan 2nd Edition 1983 ISTA Nomenclature Committee Chair: Dr. H. Pirson 3rd Edition 1988 ISTA Nomenclature Committee Chair: Dr. W. A. Brandenburg 4th Edition 2001 ISTA Nomenclature Committee Chair: Dr. J. H. Wiersema 5th Edition 2007 ISTA Nomenclature Committee Chair: Dr. J. H. Wiersema 6th Edition 2013 ISTA Nomenclature Committee Chair: Dr. J. H. Wiersema 7th Edition 2019 ISTA Nomenclature Committee Chair: Dr. M. Schori 7th Edition 2 ISTA List of Stabilised Plant Names Table of Contents A .............................................................................................................................................................. 7 B ............................................................................................................................................................ 21 C ...........................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan Handbook 2017
    WESTERN CAPE BIODIVERSITY SPATIAL PLAN HANDBOOK Drafted by: CapeNature Scientific Services Land Use Team Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch 2017 Editor: Ruida Pool-Stanvliet Contributing Authors: Alana Duffell-Canham, Genevieve Pence, Rhett Smart i Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan Handbook 2017 Citation: Pool-Stanvliet, R., Duffell-Canham, A., Pence, G. & Smart, R. 2017. The Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan Handbook. Stellenbosch: CapeNature. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The compilation of the Biodiversity Spatial Plan and Handbook has been a collective effort of the Scientific Services Section of CapeNature. We acknowledge the assistance of Benjamin Walton, Colin Fordham, Jeanne Gouws, Antoinette Veldtman, Martine Jordaan, Andrew Turner, Coral Birss, Alexis Olds, Kevin Shaw and Garth Mortimer. CapeNature’s Conservation Planning Scientist, Genevieve Pence, is thanked for conducting the spatial analyses and compiling the Biodiversity Spatial Plan Map datasets, with assistance from Scientific Service’s GIS Team members: Therese Forsyth, Cher-Lynn Petersen, Riki de Villiers, and Sheila Henning. Invaluable assistance was also provided by Jason Pretorius at the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, and Andrew Skowno and Leslie Powrie at the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Patricia Holmes and Amalia Pugnalin at the City of Cape Town are thanked for advice regarding the inclusion of the BioNet. We are very grateful to the South African National Biodiversity Institute for providing funding support through the GEF5 Programme towards layout and printing costs of the Handbook. We would like to acknowledge the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan Steering Committee, specifically Mervyn Lotter, for granting permission to use the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan Handbook as a blueprint for the Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan Handbook.
    [Show full text]
  • Muelleria 28-1 Text.Indd
    A new species of Leptostigma (Rubiaceae: Coprosminae) and notes on the Coprosminae in Australia Ian R. Thompson National Herbarium of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, 3141, Australia; School of Botany, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia; e-mail: [email protected] Introduction Abstract Subtribe Coprosminae (Rubiaceae: tribe Anthospermeae) was erected by A new species of Leptostigma Fosberg (1982) to distinguish a relatively uniform morphological group Arn. (Rubiaceae: Coprosminae), L. breviflorum I.Thomps., is described placed among a broadly distributed and heterogeneous assemblage from Victoria, Australia and compared of genera. The Coprosminae has a trans-Pacific distribution, occuring to L. reptans (F.Muell.) Fosberg. A in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Hawaii, Central America and key to Australian genera in the South America. Its make-up has undergone several modifications since Coprosminae and a revised key to its erection, and is now thought to comprise five genera, Coprosma Coprosma J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. in Australia are presented. Distribution J.R.Forst. & G.Forst., Durringtonia R.J.Hend. & Guymer, Leptostigma Arn., maps and nomenclatural information Nertera Banks & Sol. ex Gaertn., and Normandia Hook.f. Fosberg (1982) are presented for all species in the indicated that the Coprosminae were distinguished from the remainder Coprosminae in Australia, including of the Anthospermeae by drupaceous fruits containing a pair, usually, those in Leptostigma, Coprosma, of planoconvex pyrenes and a basal attachment of ovules. Pomax Sol. Nertera Banks & Sol. ex Gaertn. and ex DC. and Opercularia Gaertn. are the two Australian genera in the Durringtonia R.J.Hend.
    [Show full text]