Historical and recent observations of male and female cones on specimens of the rare Pherosphaera fitzgeraldii (Podocarpaceae), Blue Mountains, eastern Australia

Abstract

Pherosphaera fitzgeraldii Dwarf Mountain Pine, a rare conifer (Podocarpaceae) restricted to the Upper Blue Mountains in eastern Australia, is described in some sources as dioecious, like its closest relative Tasmanian Pherosphaera hookeriana. This review of early collections shows that dioecy was assumed from the first collection, but that monoecy was also recognised at that time. An assessment of 37 herbarium sheets with specimens from Sydney, Melbourne and Kew (UK) herbaria using recently available high-resolution photographs shows that monoecy is common in the species and has been under-reported. This review confirms current field observations of monoecy and provides new information about the reproductive system for those working on conservation of this critically endangered species.