Abstract
Abstract Nineteen different inter-specific or inter-subspecific Asplenium hybrids occurring naturally in the New Zealand flora are described and illustrated. All produce shrivelled and aborted spores and are therefore thought to be largely sterile. Other hybrid combinations almost certainly occur, especially between different cytotypes of polymorphic species aggregates, but they require cytological detection and cannot be recognised by their morphological characteristics alone. The capacity for hybridisation varies considerably from species to species; some such as A. flaccidum, A. bulbiferum, and A. terrestre hybridise quite frequently, but others such as A. polyodon and A. trichomanes are not known to form hybrids in New Zealand. Possible reasons for this are discussed. Considerable taxonomic complexity results from the remarkable cross-compatibility of New Zealand Asplenium species, but introgressive hybridisation is thought to be of only minor importance due to the sterility of the inter-specific hybr...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
