The Bearing of Ecological Studies in New Zealand on Botanical Taxonomic Conceptions and Procedure

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Abstract
The data and conclusions presented involve fundamental principles which have a bearing on taxonomy in general. Ecological study of species is necessary to develop consistent methods in taxonomic procedure based on clearly defined principles. The general nature of the problems involved is illustrated by the brief analysis of the taxonomic treatment of an abundant and widespread New Zealand "species." The diversity of forms (polymorphy) of plants occurring in nature is the fundamental difficulty in taxonomy. Polymorphy may be of different classes and grades. The causes of polymorphy in the individual plant and in groups of related individuals are listed, briefly analyzed, and examples cited. The importance of adequate field knowledge of the life histories of plants in the solution of taxonomic problems is emphasized. A terminology to be applied to groups of individuals showing diversity of different kinds and grades is given and the terms defined. Taxonomic groups are discussed beginning with the status of the individual. The authors define simple and compound species, epharmones, hybrids, and lin-neons, illustrating each by examples in the New Zealand flora, and indicate the significance of each group in a taxonomic treatment. The importance of phenology, the modifying effect of habitat, and of hybridization in connection with taxonomic problems are emphasized.

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