Biosystematic Studies of Vaccinium Section Macropelma (Ericaeae) in Hawaii

Abstract

A survey of seed and seedling morphology of the three Hawaiian species of Vaccinium sect. Macropelma (V. calycinum Smith, V. den tatum Smith, and V. reticulatum Smith) revealed that seed shape, size, and seed coat sculpture showed little interspecific variation and that the primary shoots bore similar, thick, coarsely serrate, dorsally glandular green leaves. In certain populations of V. reticulatum subsequent eophylls may retain such leaves for the life of the plant. Selfing and crossing experiments demonstrated that each of the three species is self-compatible, especially V. calycinum, where selfing produces more seeds than outcrossing. Cleistogamous flowers have also been observed in V. calycinum. Interspecific hybrids are viable and resemble two taxa described by Skottsberg.