Coprosma Species Research Articles

A new genus and three new species of eriophyoid mites from New Zealand Coprosma (Rubiaceae)

A new genus and three new species of eriophyoid mites of the family Eriophyidae are described and illustrated from various Coprosma species in New Zealand: Calareolata gen. nov., Calareolata coprosmae sp. nov., Cosetacus mamangi sp. nov. and Aculus robustalucidus sp. nov.. A key to the eriophyoid mites associated with Coprosma species in the world is provided.

New and resurrected Hawaiian species of pilo (Coprosma, Rubiaceae) from the island of Maui.

Two species of Coprosma (Rubiaceae) J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. are described from the island of Maui of the Hawaiian Archipelago. A newly described taxon, Coprosma cordicarpa J.Cantley, Sporck-Koehler, & M.Chau, sp. nov. is locally common in medium to high elevation dry forests and shrublands of leeward East Maui. The second taxon is resurrected from the synonymy of Coprosma foliosa A.Gray as Coprosma stephanocarpa Hillebr. and occurs in mesic to wet rainforests of both East and West Maui. Both taxa are segregated from Coprosma foliosa, with which they share similar morphological characters. A conspicuous and persistent calyx of the fruit and various floral characters most easily differentiate both taxa from other Hawaiian taxa. The newly described Coprosma cordicarpa is further distinguished from Coprosma stephanocarpa by a central constriction of the fruit with a depressed apex, which gives it a characteristic heart shape. Furthermore, the taxa are largely separated phenologically, ecologically, and geographically. Descriptions, conservation status, and specimens examined for the new species are included.

Practical Isolation of Asperuloside from Coprosma quadrifida via Rapid Pressurised Hot Water Extraction

The valuable glycoside asperuloside was efficiently isolated in multigram quantities from Coprosma quadrifida employing a recently developed rapid pressurised hot water extraction (PHWE) method that utilises an unmodified household espresso machine. This study represents the first time C. quadrifida has been extracted and its major chemical components isolated and analysed. Our findings reveal that this species is a rich source of asperuloside (7.0 % yield w/w). Significantly, this represents one of the highest yields obtained of this glycoside from a Coprosma species, and the entire Rubiaceae family more generally.

Revision of Kadua (Rubiaceae) in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, with description of the new species K. lichtlei

During the preparation of the Vascular Flora of the Marquesas Islands three new species of Coprosma (Rubiaceae, tribe Anthospermeae) have come to light and are described herein: Coprosma fatuhivaensis W. L. Wagner & Lorence, Coprosma meyeri W. L. Wagner & Lorence, and Coprosma temetiuensis W. L. Wagner & Lorence. Descriptions, illustrations, conservation status, and specimen citations are provided. Amended descriptions of three previously described Marquesan Coprosma species are also provided as well as a key to the species, four of which fall into the Critically Endangered (CR) and two into the Endangered (EN) category. With the description of these the new species, Coprosma becomes the sixth largest lineage in the Marquesas Islands with six species after Psychotria (one lineage which has 9 spp.), Cyrtandra (8 spp.), Bidens (8 spp.), Melicope (7 spp.), and Ixora (7 spp.).

Revision of Coprosma (Rubiaceae, tribe Anthospermeae) in the Marquesas Islands

During the preparation of the Vascular Flora of the Marquesas Islands three new species of Coprosma (Rubiaceae, tribe Anthospermeae) have come to light and are described herein: Coprosma fatuhivaensis W. L. Wagner & Lorence, Coprosma meyeri W. L. Wagner & Lorence, and Coprosma temetiuensis W. L. Wagner & Lorence. Descriptions, illustrations, conservation status, and specimen citations are provided. Amended descriptions of three previously described Marquesan Coprosma species are also provided as well as a key to the species, four of which fall into the Critically Endangered (CR) and two into the Endangered (EN) category. With the description of these the new species, Coprosma becomes the sixth largest lineage in the Marquesas Islands with six species after Psychotria (one lineage which has 9 spp.), Cyrtandra (8 spp.), Bidens (8 spp.), Melicope (7 spp.), and Ixora (7 spp.).

Speciation with gene flow on Lord Howe Island

Understanding the processes underlying the origin of species is a fundamental goal of biology. It is widely accepted that speciation requires an interruption of gene flow between populations: ongoing gene exchange is considered a major hindrance to population divergence and, ultimately, to the evolution of new species. Where a geographic barrier to reproductive isolation is lacking, a biological mechanism for speciation is required to counterbalance the homogenizing effect of gene flow. Speciation with initially strong gene flow is thought to be extremely rare, and few convincing empirical examples have been published. However, using phylogenetic, karyological, and ecological data for the flora of a minute oceanic island (Lord Howe Island, LHI), we demonstrate that speciation with gene flow may, in fact, be frequent in some instances and could account for one in five of the endemic plant species of LHI. We present 11 potential instances of species divergence with gene flow, including an in situ radiation of five species of Coprosma (Rubiaceae, the coffee family). These results, together with the speciation of Howea palms on LHI, challenge current views on the origin of species diversity.

Leaf domatia: carbon-limited indirect defence?

Plant-based defence mutualisms utilize plant morphology to reduce the performance of plant parasites through their natural enemies. Leaf domatia primarily occur in the axials of secondary veins and are often inhabited by microbivorous and predaceous mites which often increase plant growth rates and reproductive success by controlling plant pests. Our study investigated if domatia investment is limited by plant primary productivity. To our knowledge no studies have tested if foliar domatia are resource-limited. We tested our hypothesis using the genus Coprosma (Rubiaceae), conducting correlative field surveys and manipulative experiments measuring domatia production in new leaves along temperature, nutrient and irradiance gradients. Field surveys indicated a strong positive association between leaf area, the number of secondary veins, and domatia per leaf. The number of potential sites for domatia is underutilised, with leaves on selected Coprosma species having on average 47 to 72% of the ‘maximum’ number of available sites where domatia could occur. Foliar carbon was positively associated with domatia investment. Coprosma plants held under elevated night-time temperatures showed a 34–91% decrease in daily carbon gain, a 38% decrease in domatia per leaf mass, and a positive relationship between domatia investment and integrated daily carbon gain. Under irradiance and nutrient stress, our data indicated evidence of a positive relationship between domatia investment and foliar carbon. We found a significant negative association between relative investment in domatia produced and investment in new leaf biomass. Our findings suggest investment in foliar domatia is limited by primary productivity. We propose that domatia are discretionary goods and not intrinsic structures produced automatically on leaves that mites utilize. We suggest that plants have the ability to regulate domatia formation during leaf ontogeny, with investment controlled by resource availability and some intrinsic allocation mechanism to defence.

A new species of Coprosma Sect. Acerosae (Rubiaceae) endemic to the South and Stewart Islands of New Zealand

A new endemic addition to Coprosma Sect. Acerosae, Coprosma elatirioides, is described from New Zealand. The new species is a common shrub of mid to oligotrophic wetland habitats along the West Coast and in the southern third of the South Island, and on Stewart Island. Previously, Coprosma elatirioides was included within a broad circumscription of C. brunnea, from which it is distinguished by its non‐flexuous branching habit, comparatively large, conspicuous and persistent calyces and a deeply divided corolla on female flowers, and restriction to wetland habitats. Coprosma elatirioides is most similar to C. inter‐texta, from which it is distinguished by its subscandent, trailing growth form, shortly sheathing and conspicuously denticulate stipules, fleshy coriaceous, adaxially pubescent leaves with obtuse apices, and ecology. C. elatirioides is further distinguished from C. brunnea, C. intertexta, and the other coprosma species of Sect. Acerosae by nrDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and external transcribed spacer (ETS) sequence differences.

A new species of Coprosma (Rubiaceae) from the South Island, New Zealand

A new species, Coprosma fowerakeri, is described from alpine habitats of the South Island, New Zealand. Previously included within C. pseudocuneata, it is distinguished by its low spreading habit; stout, recurved lateral branches that often root on contact with soil; fleshy‐coriaceous, almost succulent, dark green to bronze‐green leaves; conspicuously denticulate, shortly sheathing interpetiolar stipules; bright orange fruit; tetraploid chromosome number; and preference for alpine habitats. Coprosma fowerakeri is an abundant alpine and occasionally subalpine species whose conservation status is rated as “Not Threatened” using the New Zealand Threatened Species Classification System.

New Species of Coprosma (Rubiaceae) from New Guinea. Contributions to the Flora of Mt Jaya VII

Summary. Material of the genus Coprosma from the Mt Jaya area of New Guinea has been investigated. Characters important for species delimitation are discussed. The identity of C. wollastonii, a species restricted to montane forests on MtJaya, is also examined. Recent collections made from MtJaya match the type of C. wollastonii, but not the illustration and description of C. wollastonii given by van Royen. The collection illustrated in van Royen is referred to a subalpine species C. barbata, described here as new. In addition, C. elegans, a new species, is described from the montane forests of MtJaya. All three species discussed are endemic to MtJaya.

Correlations between growth form, habitat, and fruit colour in the New Zealand flora, with reference to frugivory by lizards

In New Zealand, frugivory by lizards has been linked to white or pale to sky‐blue hit colours, and divaricate growth forms. Frugivory by lizards might also be expected to be associated with small fruit size, and exposed habitats where dispersal to a moist microsite is crucial to seedling survival. This study tests for correlations between fruit colour and other plant attributes in the New Zealand fleshy‐fruited flora consistent with these predictions. Among New Zealand fleshy‐fruited species, we found that white and blue fruit colours were significantly associated with shrub and divaricate growth forms, small fruit size, open habitats, and montane to alpine altitudinal distributions. Within shrubs and subshrubs, white and blue fruit colours were associated with small fruit size, and with open habitats if Coprosma species were excluded. These results provide some support for the hypothesis that for shrubby species in open habitats, frugivory by lizards may have played a part in the evolution of small pale fruits.

Coprosma pedicellata (Rubiaceae), a new species from New Zealand

A new, diploid species of Coprosma, C. pedicellata (2n = 44) is described and illustrated. It has a close morphological affinity with the northern New Zealand hexaploid species C. parviflora (2n = 132), which may be an ancient amphidiploid derivative. C. pedicellata is readily identified by its distinctive growth habit, habitat, and pendant pedicellate violet drupes. It is known from a few disjunct localities along the foothills of eastern New Zealand where it is restricted to forest or forest margins, usually on moderately fertile soils with impeded drainage, in overflow and flood channels, and alongside small streams. It shares these cool winter‐wet/warm summer‐dry habitats with a select group of woody species, including other rare small‐leaved divaricate shrubs and dwarf mistletoes. C. pedicellata is considered to be a restricted taxon in need of active conservation management over the greater part of its present natural range.

A rose by any other name: Two problems of scent in the naming and typification of New Zealand plants

Abstract For two New Zealand species, the plant names are inappropriate references to the scent of the plant. Both result from misinterpretation of earlier work and are resolved here. Firstly, Banks & Solander originally applied the epithet aromatica to the species now known as Scandia rosifolia not to Anisotome aromatica, but as their manuscript was not published current usage is retained. Secondly, following the Forsters, the type species of Coprosma is correctly designated as C. foetidissima not the inappropriately scented C. lucida; subgeneric and sectional names are corrected.

Fruit Conspicuousness in Some New Zealand Coprosma (Rubiaceae) Species

Fruit conspicuousness, defined as the magnitude of the colour difference between a fruit and its background, is one feature of fleshy fruits that may influence frugivory and hence seed dispersal. Quantitative colour Determinations using CIE [1976] L * a * b * (CIELAB) values based on human colour vision were obtained by the use of reflectance spectroscopy for ripe fleshy fruits, leaves and bark of 33 species of Coprosma in New Zealand. Amongst the three plant parts assessed, colour differences were greatest between fruits and foliage. Fruits with reddish or black hues were significantly more contrasted with their foliage than other fruit colour groups (white, bluish, polymorphic) (...)

The frost resistance of fruits and leaves of someCoprosmaspecies in relation to altitude and habitat

Abstract The frost resistance of fruits and leaves of eight species of Coprosma (Rubiaceae), collected from a range of habitats and altitudes in the South Island of New Zealand was measured in late autumn. The frostresistance of fleshy fruits of wild plants has seldom, if ever, been measured before and was similar to that of leaves, with minimum temperatures causing 50% damage ranging between -8° and —14°C. The frost resistance of leaves was related to altitude of collection and habitat range of the species, whereas that of fruits was related principally to potential habitat range. Factors such as fruit size and colour were not correlated with frost resistance.

Coprosma waima(Rubiaceae) — a new species from northern New Zealand

Abstract Coprosma waima A. P. Druce sp. nov. is described and illustrated. It is a large-leaved species related to C. grandifolia. C. waima and C. grandifolia differ from all other species of Coprosma in New Zealand in having stipules in which the whole of the adaxial surface and the upper marginal parts of the abaxial surface is glandular. C. waima has distinctive, almost sessile leaves, with a cordate base. It is known only from Waima Forest, Northland, where it grows on steep cliffs of basic volcanic rock.

Fruit Colour in Relation to the Ecology and Habit of Coprosma (Rubiaceae) Species in New Zealand

New Zealand Coprosma species exhibit a greater colour range and a lower proportion of red coloured fruits than those of other countries where the genus occurs. Fruit colour was examined in relation to morphological features such as fruit size, leaf size and life form, and with respect to ecological features such as geographic distribution and habitat

A revision of the Coprosma pumila (Rubiaceae) complex in Australia, New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands.

The widespread complex of mat-forming Coprosma species, hitherto known as 'Coprosma pumila', plus some close allies (C. petriei, C. atropurpurea, C. nivalis) have been reexamined. C. pumila s. str. is shown to be restricted to the northern central plateau and Ben Lomond areas of Tasmania. The name C. perpusilla Col. is resurrected for the orange-fruited plants of Australia and New Zealand formerly included in C. pumila. A new subspecies, C. perpusilla ssp. subantarctica, is erected for the plants on Macquarie, Auckland, Camp- bell and Antipodes Islands. A new species, C. niphophila, is recognised for the Mt Kosciusko region and the South Island of New Zealand. The six species and two subspecies of the complex are keyed, fully described and illustrated, and their interrelation- ships, particularly their trans-Tasman vicariance, are discussed.

Flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) shrublands in the lower Waitaki Valley, South Canterbury

Abstract Flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) is classified as a noxious plant in Waitaki County, South Canterbury. On the north bank of the Waitaki River it forms scrub-grasslands w1th the spiny shrub, matagouri (Discaria toumatou), and species of Coprosma, particularly on shady hill slopes and gullies. The stem diameters of flowering currant and matagouri were measured and the ages were determined from ring counts. There is a close positive relationship between stem diameter and age in the flowering currant. Most seedlings establish beneath matagouri bushes and although flowering currant can spread by suckering and layering, this is largely prevented by sheep and rabbit grazing. Most flowering currant bushes are more than 10 years old, and the apparent spread of this plant in recent years has resulted from the suppression of matagouri growth by flowering currant bushes. The flowering currant stands are self-perpetuating, but they are being slowly invaded by wind-dispersed adventive trees. Flowering curr...

Chemistry of the Coprosma genus. Part XIV. Constituents of five New Zealand species

The anthraquinone pigments of the barks of Coprosma tenuicaulis, C. linariifolia, C. rotundifolia, and C. propinqua and the heartwood of C. robusta are reported. C. linariifolia contains a new anthragallol 2-methyl ether 3-glycoside and C. rotundifolia a rubiadin 3-glycoside. A minor anthraquinone of C. lucida previously considered to be soranjidiol has been identified as lucidin. The presence of the coumarin scopoletin has been shown in the barks of a number of Coprosma species.