Argophyllaceae

Corokia virgata

The Argophyllaceae are a plant family in the order of the aster -like ( Asterales ). The species are native to New Zealand, eastern Australia, New Caledonia, French Polynesia and the island of Rapa Iti.

Description

There are shrubs or trees. The alternate, stalked, simple leaves have a smooth or slightly serrated leaf edge. Stipules absent.

Most racemose inflorescences are formed; sometimes these are reduced, and the flowers are borne in small bundles. The hermaphrodite, radial symmetry flowers are four to sechszählig. The sepals are fused only in the lower half or are rarely entirely free. The petals are free or rarely grown, with a membranous scales at the base. The free stamens are slightly shorter than the petals. The ovary is inferior or semi- inferior. The two species have different fruits, see genres.

System

The Argophyllaceae form with the Phellinaceae and Alseuosmiaceae a kinship group within the Asterales. These genera belong to the family Saxifragaceae or former family Escalloniaceae R.Br. ex Dumort ..

The Argophyllaceae family consists of only two genera with about 17 to 21 species:

• Argophyllum J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. They form seed capsules with many seeds. With about 11 to 15 species.
• Corokia A.Cunn. They form stone fruit with a seed. With about four to six types: Corokia buddleioides A.Cunn.
• Zigzag shrub ( Corokia cotoneaster Raoul. ): Native New Zealand. An evergreen shrub with zigzag branches are formed at those in leaf axils of small leaves tufts of small, fragrant, yellow flowers and oblong- elliptical, red or yellow fruits. An uncommon ornamental plant. In warmer coastal areas they tolerate open places or partial shade and are therefore planted there as hedges.
• Corokia macrocarpa Kirk
• Corokia virgata Turrill
• Corokia whiteana L.S.Sm.

Swell

• The Argophyllaceae family in APWebsite (English )
• The Argophyllaceae family in New South Wales Flora Online. (English )