The taxonomy and distribution of the stipulate species of Pseudopanax in New Zealand

Abstract

Three varieties are recognised in Pseudopanax colensoi (Hook.f.) Philipson: var. colensoi, 5-foliolate and usually shortly petiolulate, which replaces P. arboreum (Murr.) Philipson at higher altitudes in the North Island and in the north and east of the South Island; var. ternutum, 3-foliolate and without distinct petiolules, which occurs at high altitudes in Marlborough and Nelson and descends to sea level in the west and south ol the South Island; and var. fiordense, 5-foliolate and without distinct petiolules. which occurs from western Fiordland to Stewart Island. The hybrid origin suggested for Nothopunax mucintyrei Cheeseman by later authors is disproved by its chromosome complement (2n= 48), and it is reinstated as Pseudopanax macintyrei (Cheeseman) Wardle. It occurs on calcareous sites in Nelson and north Westland.