Development of the hypanthium and androecium in Acmena smithii and Syzygium australe (Acmena alliance, Myrtaceae)

Abstract

Floral organogeny and development are described for two species of the Acmena alliance: Acmena smithii and Syzygium australe. The Acmena alliance is now regarded as distinct from the fleshy-fruited Myrtoideae s.s. A. smithii develops an hypanthium that resembles that seen in some dry-fruited Myrtaceae but stamen initiation resembles that seen in the fleshy-fruited Luma apiculata. By contrast S. australe has hypanthial development similar to the New Zealand fleshy-fruited Myrtaceae but stamen development resembles that of many dry-fruited Myrtaceae. Both species, therefore, show homoplasy of floral characters with both fleshy and dry-fruited Myrtaceae.