Studies on the Monimiaceae

Abstract

Inflorescences, flowers and floral vascularisation of the New Zealand endemic Laurelia novae-zelandiae are described. Tepal vascularisation, which includes the unusual feature of isolated peripheral strands, suggests evolutionary derivation from bracteoles. The significance of the variable stamen vascularisation is discussed. The ontogeny, structure, and function of paired staminal glands, inserted on the filament of each stamen, are described. It is concluded that morphologically each gland probably represents a staminode. Comparisons are made with the floral morphology of other members of the Monimiaceae and Lauraceae.