Support from flavonoid glycoside distribution for the division of <i>Dacrydium</i> sensu lato*

Abstract

Abstract The flavonoid glycoside chemistry of all New Zealand, and a number of key non‐New Zealand, representatives of Dacrydium sensu lato is reported for the first time. These data give strong support to the proposed segregation of Lepidothamnus and Halocarpus from Dacrydium . Lepidothamnus is characterised by a predominance of flavone O ‐glycosides in its foliage, and Halocarpus by a predominance of flavone C ‐glycosides. The flavonoid glycoside characteristics of the other segregate genera, Lagarostrobos and Dacrydium sensu stricto are less distinctive, both groups being characterised by a predominance of flavonol O ‐glycosides. It is also noted that Lagarostrobos colensoi of New Zealand and the non‐New Zealand Dacrydium species do not fit comfortably with the respective type species Lagarostrobosfranklinii and Dacrydiun cupressinum in terms of their flavonoid glycoside chemistry. These two genera therefore need further consideration and definition.