Haloragis erecta: A species complex in evolution

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Abstract
An investigation of morphological variation within the Haloragis erecta complex in New Zealand reveals that this widespread anemophilous perennial herb varies greatly from one locality to another, and is seldom constant in all characters even within one local population. Nevertheless, individual plants often breed true for their characters. Plants from different areas are not reproductively isolated, and will recombine their differentiating characters when crossed. The presence or absence of scabridity, one of the most important taxonomic characters of this group of plants. is inherited in a relatively simple way. Taxonomic recognition of various local or regional forms seems neIther warranted nor practicable at the present stage of evolution, and the segregation of H. colensoi Skottsb. from the complex is nllt supported. However, H. cartilaginea Cheesem., a local species found only near North Cape. differs morpnoloJ.;ically from all other forms of the H. erecta complex in New Zealand and has also attained at least partial reproductive isolation. Related species in eastern Australia and the Juan Fernandez Islands, which were formerly included in H. erecta, are similar in general appearance to New Zealand plants. Each of the three disjunct sections of the complex displays a range of variation which is partly unique, but partly overlaps with that of the others. In view of the type of variation prevalent in New Zealand, the validity of the three species described in each of the other two areas needs to be confirmed.

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