Phytogeography of the subtribe Leipoldtiinae (Mesembryanthemaceae)

Abstract

An investigation of distribution and species frequency of the nine genera of the subtribe Leipoldtiinae shows that two centres of diversity can be distinguished. These coincide more or less with the 'Gariep centre’ in the north and the ’Vanrhynsdorp centre' in the south (both sensu Nordenstam 1969). Speciation seems to have occurred in both centres. The subtribe may have evolved in an arid winter rainfall area which could have been situated outside its present distribution area. The centres of distribution coincide with those observed in both subfamilies of the Mesembryanthemaceae.