A Multivariate Morphometric Study of Species Relationships in Kangaroo Paws (Anigozanthos Labill. And Macropidia Drumm. ex. Harv.: Haemodoraceae)

Abstract

Multivariate morphometric analyses of floral and leaf structure and an examination of seed morphology of the 12 kangaroo paw species were undertaken to clarify taxonomic issues and phylogenetic relationships in the group.

The study demonstrates substantial morphological differences between Macropidia Drumm. ex Harv. and Anigozanthos Labill., and argues for their reinstatement as separate genera. Sufficient differences among A. bicolor Endl., A. gabrielae Domin and A. viridis Endl, are also established to justify their recognition as valid taxonomic species. Other groups of closely related Anigozanthos species are identified and the division of the genus into only two sections, Anigozanthos and Haplanthesis, characterized by branched and unbranched flowering stems, is advocated.

Phylogenetic trends based on morphological relationships are discussed.