The vegetative buds of the New Zealand species of Metrosideros

Abstract

The 11 New Zealand species of Metrosideros are divided into two groups on the basis of vegetative bud form and position. One group, comprising M. excelsa, M. kermadecensis, M. robusta, and M. umbellata, was also distinguished on floral features by Dawson (1968). The three other groups delimited in the latter paper do not differ significantly from each other in vegetative bud features. On the basis of vegetative bud form and position the New Zealand species currently assigned to Metrosideros can be divided into two groups. Group A—M. excelsa, M. kermadecensis, M. robusta, M. umbellata. Group B—M. perforata, M. fulgens, M. parkinsonii, M. carminea, M. diffusa, M. colensoi, M. albiflora.