A contribution to the taxonomy of Phyllocladus (Phyllocladaceae) from the distribution of key flavonoids

Abstract

The distribution of flavonoid glycosides in five species and three putative variants of Phyllocladus is examined to evaluate its taxonomic significance. The status of all five species is supported by their respective accumulation of major constituents and the regular presence/absence of quantitatively minor components. There are reasonable grounds, based on flavonoid complement, for the recognition of the North Cape variant of P. trichomanoides, and possibly also the lowland variant of P. alpinus, as distinct taxa. The chemical status of the eastern North Island variant of P. alpinus is less certain at this stage and requires further study.

Keywords:

• conifers
• Phyllocladaceae
• Phyllocladus
• P. alpinus
• P. aspleniifolius
• P. hypophyllus
• P. toatoa
• P. trichomanoides
• flavonoids
• taxonomy