Original Research
Morphology, evolution and taxonomy of Wachendorfia (Haemodoraceae)
Submitted: 13 October 1992 | Published: 14 October 1992
About the author(s)
N. E. Helme, Bolus Herbarium, University of Cape Town., South AfricaH. P. Linder, Bolus Herbarium, University of CapeTown., South Africa
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Wachendorfia Burm. is a small genus endemic to the Cape Floral Region. Pour species are recognised in this study. Two species were originally described by Burman in 1757 and these were followed by numerous other descriptions of what is essentially one very variable species (W. paniculaia Burm.). This variation is discussed and reasons are given as to why the recognition of formal infraspecific taxa is inappropriate. Formal taxonomic descriptions, distribution maps and a key to the species are provided. Rhizome morphology, leaf anatomy and pollen and seed coat structures were investigated and illustrations are provided. A cladogram was inferred and this is consistent with an ecological speciation model for the genus. The two species with the most restricted distribution (W. brachyandra W.F. Barker and W. pamfiora W.F. Barker) are considered to be the most recently evolved. Features of systematic and ecological interest (e.g. floral enantiomorphy) are discussed.
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Crossref Citations
1. Enantiostyly in Wachendorfia (Haemodoraceae): the influence of reproductive systems on the maintenance of the polymorphism
Linley K. Jesson, Spencer C. H. Barrett
American Journal of Botany vol: 89 issue: 2 first page: 253 year: 2002
doi: 10.3732/ajb.89.2.253