Ficus in the New Hebrides

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The fig-flora of the New Hebrides (17 species including two endemics F. aspera and F. granatum ) is disappointing in comparison with neighbouring island-groups. It consists mainly of immigrant species, 8 of affinity with New Guinea, 6 with Polynesia, and one uncertain connexion with New Caledonia ( F. fraseri ). F. subulata and F. storckii var. storckii are recorded for the first time. The unity of the fig-flora sets the limit for overseas dispersal of Ficus at ca . 100 km. It is concluded that the New Guinea element reached the islands by a relatively late connexion with the Melanesian Foreland, not by way of the Solomons, and that the Polynesian connexion was southerly as along the Hunter Ridge. The paucity of endemism is attributed to the lack of pachycaul immigrants. A field-key is given for identification. Collections are listed for all species.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: