Macropiper (piperaceae) in the south-west Pacific

Abstract

Morphological and anatomical features of Macropiper are discussed and illustrated. A new subspecies, Macropiper excelsum subsp. peltatum, diagnosed by its peltate leaves, is described from the Three Kings Islands and Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, and the forms on each of these island groups, f. delangei and f. peltatum, respectively, are newly described. Macropiper excelsum subsp. psittacorum is considered to be restricted to Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, and the Kermadec Islands. Variation in Macropiper excelsum subsp. excelsum on the northern New Zealand offshore islands is discussed. Macropiper melchior is redescribed. A key is given to the taxa of Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, the Kermadec Islands, and New Zealand. © 1997 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.