The monocot fossil pollen record of New Zealand and its implications for palaeoclimates and environments

Abstract

The record of fossil monocotyledonous pollen in New Zealand is summarized and discussed in terms of age and palaeoecological implications. The fossil monocot pollen record covers reports of taxa variously ranging from the Palaeogene to the present, with diverse groups represented, including Alstroemeriaceae: Luzuriagoideae (Luzuriaga), Amaryllidaceae (aff. Hymenocallis?), Arecaceae (including Nypa and aff. Metroxylon), Asparagaceae: Lomandroideae (Arthropodium, Cordyline), Asteliaceae (Astelia and Collospermum), Cyperaceae, Anarthriaceae (including Hopkinsiaceae and Lyginiaceae) or Flagellariaceae?, Orchidaceae, Pandanaceae, Poaceae, Restionaceae (aff. Empodisma), Ripogonaceae (Ripogonum), Typhaceae (Typha and Sparganium) and Asphodelaceae (=Xanthorrhoeaceae): Hemerocallidoideae (Dianella and Phormium). There are also monosulcate and reticulate lilioid and echinate and gemmate arecoid palynomorphs known from the Late Cretaceous. The possible biogeographical and palaeoecological implications of these records, especially for tropical or subtropical taxa occurring at mid to high southern latitudes, are also discussed.