ABSTRACT
PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite markers were developed for New Zealand species of Corybas (Orchidaceae) to investigate population genetics and species delimitation. METHODS AND RESULTS: From sequencing a total genomic DNA library (using Illumina MiSeq), we developed 22 microsatellite markers for C. obscurus. The di- and trinucleotide repeat loci were initially trialed on individuals representing seven Corybas taxa (C. "rimutaka," C. confusus, C. hypogaeus, C. macranthus, C. obscurus, C. trilobus, and C. walliae) and had one to eight alleles per locus. Twelve polymorphic markers were further tested on six Corybas populations from three of the seven taxa (C. obscurus, C. "rimutaka," and C. trilobus). Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0-1 and 0-0.859, respectively. The utility of these 12 loci was further validated in five related Corybas species (C. hypogaeus, C. obscurus, C. vitreus, C. walliae, and C. "rimutaka"; 38 individuals) representing populations from across the North and South Islands. The average value for genetic diversity among populations (F ST) of 0.439 shows differentiation among species. CONCLUSIONS: These markers will be useful for future studies aimed at delimiting species boundaries and examining the genetic diversity of the New Zealand Corybas species.
ABSTRACT
Two new species of forget-me-nots, Myosotis chaffeyorum C.A.Lehnebach sp. nov. and Myosotis mooreana C.A.Lehnebach sp. nov. are described and illustrated. These species are endemic to New Zealand and restricted to the mountains of north-west Nelson (South Island). Both species are uncommon and Myosotis mooreana is known from the type locality only. Their conservation status is rated as "Nationally Critical". A table listing differences between these two new species and other similar species and an identification key are provided.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In New Zealand epiphytic orchids are represented by four genera and eight species. The genera Earina (three species) and Winika (one species) are the most conspicuous and widespread. These are likely to be some of the southernmost distributed genera of epiphytic orchids in the world. METHODS: To identify the pollination strategies that have evolved in these orchids, hand-pollination treatments were done and floral visitors were observed in several wild populations at two areas of southern North Island (approx. 40 degrees S). Pollen:ovule ratio and osmophores were also studied and the total carbohydrate content of the nectar produced by each species was measured. KEY RESULTS: Earina autumnalis and Earina mucronata are self-compatible, whereas Earina aestivalis and Winika cunninghamii appear to be partially self-incompatible. All four orchids are incapable of autonomous selfing and therefore completely dependent on pollinators to set fruits. Floral visitors observed in the genus Earina belong to Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera and to Diptera and Hymenoptera in W. cunninghamii. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to many epiphytic orchids in the tropics, the orchid-pollinator relationship in these orchids is unspecialized and flowers are visited by a wide range of insects. Putative pollinators are flies of the families Bibionidae, Calliphoridae, Syrphidae and Tachinidae. All four orchids display anthecological adaptations to a myophilous pollination system such as simple flowers, well-exposed reproductive structures, easily accessed nectar and high pollen : ovule ratios.
