An investigation of phyllode variation in Acacia verniciflua and A. leprosa (Mimosaceae), and implications for taxonomy

Abstract

Acacia verniciflua A.Cunn. and A. leprosa Sieber ex DC. are believed to be closely related, although strict interpretation of the current sectional classification of subgenus Phyllodineae places them in separate sections based on main nerve number. Six populations, comprised of the common and the southern variants of A. verniciflua and the large phyllode variant of A. leprosa, were sampled to test the value of nerve number as a taxonomic character and the current delimitation of these geographically variable species. Morphometrics, microscopy and the AFLP technique were used to compare and contrast populations. Phyllode nerve development was investigated and the abaxial nerve was found to be..