The characterisation of New Zealand Podocarpus hybrids using flavonoid markers

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Abstract
New Zealand species of Podocarpus hybridise readily in the wild producing intermediate forms that are often difficult to identify. Flavonoid chemistry, in conjunction with morphological characters and geographical considerations, has proved to be of considerable value in the recognition of these natural hybrids. The parentage of Podocarpus totara var. wathoensis is confirmed, and the predominant parentage of P. totara “Aureus” is shown to be P. acutifolius X P. totara, and of P. totara “Pendulus” to be P acutifolius X P. nivalis. The probable parentage of other naturally occurring hybrids is also presented. The advantages of identifying the flavonoids over comparison of 2D paper chromatographic patterns alone are stressed. Flavonoid pattern variability of P. hallu is now thought to be caused by hybridisation, often with P. totara.