A Neglected Character of Cornus L. s. 1. with Special Reference to a New Subgenus—Sinocornus Q. Y. Xiang

Xiang Qiu-Yun

Received:1900-01-01 Revised:1900-01-01 Online:1987-04-18 Published:1987-04-18
Contact: Xiang Qiu-Yun

Abstract:

Cornus L. s. 1. is a large polytypic genus. The classificantion of which has been

so different that some authors recognize several separate genera, while others treat them as ei-

ther subgenera or sections. New evidence from many disciplines such as palynology, cyto-

logy, wood anatomy and embryology supports the view that the genus should remain in the

broad sense. I basically agree with the treatment by Ferguson (1966_b) before my finishing

a comprehensive study on Cornus L. s. 1. except for supporting the separation of subgenus

Afrocrania as an independent genus. A new subgenus Sinocornus Q. Y. Xiang, containing

one species, C. chinensis Wangerin, is established here on account of its inflorescence axillary

and different from the other members of the genus which all have terminal inflorescences only.

The inflorescence developed from a terminal bud implicates the sympodial nature of axis of

stem and the one from an axillary bud the monopodial one. It is reasonable to regard the

character as of subgeneric value. Also a new combination, Cornus subgen. Syncarpea (Na-

kai) Q. Y. Xiang, is proposed here as a substitute for Cornus subgen. Benthamia (C. B. Clar-

ke) Schneider used for a long time. Because the valid publication of the former name subgen.

Syncarpea Nakai is earlier than the latter one. The types of inflorescences of 8 subgenera re-

presented by type or selected species are illustrated.

Key words: Cornus, subgen.Sinocornus Q.Q.Y.Xiang, subgen.Syncarpea(Nakai)Q.Y.Xiang

Xiang Qiu-Yun. A Neglected Character of Cornus L. s. 1. with Special Reference to a New Subgenus—Sinocornus Q. Y. Xiang[J]. .

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