Phytogeography and evolution of the Ericaceae of New Guinea

The Ericaceae are among the ecologically most important families of the more open woody vegetation from about 1000 to 3750 m especially in the Upper Montane and Subalpine vegetation in New Guinea, but they also occur less frequently in other vegetation types from sea level to over 4000 m. There are over 400 species in six genera in our area alone (Table 1), and the Ericaceae are probably the most diverse woody family in this vegetation: none of the six genera is restricted to New Guinea, but all bar three of the species are. The main purpose of this paper is to examine the morphological and ecological variation of the New Guinea Ericaceae in the context of the variation pattern of the whole family. An attempt is also made to discuss the historical biogeography of the family in New Guinea.