The history of the family Onagraceae in Australia and its relevance to biogeography

Abstract

The family Onagraceae is a relatively minor part of the Australian flora but it has a long history in Australia: a probable Ludwigia dates from the Eocene; Fuchsia, not native to Australia today, is present from early Oligocene times; and Epilobium is found only in the Pleistocene. Onagraceae first appears in the Late Cretaceous in northern South America and southern North America, where it is thought to have originated, and Ludwigia dates from the Palaeocene. It is thought that Ludwigia migrated into Australia via a northern route. Fuchsia in Australia predates its first appearance in New Zealand, suggesting that New Zealand Fuchsia may have been derived from the Australian Fuchsia.