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1. Aphanes L. (Rosaceae)
Prior to consideration of the two species involved, an explanation for the reversion from the familiar Alchemilla Scop. to the Linnaean Aphanes appears warranted.
The species which constitute the genus Aphanes L. (sub-genus Aphanes (L.) Rothm. of Alchemilla Scop.) are small diffuse annuals, whereas the species belonging to Alchemilla [sensu stricto] are rhizomatous perennials. Apart from the difference in habit and duration, there are marked differences in the androecium—in Aphanes, the androecium consists of a single stamen (rarely two) with extrorse anther, mounted on the inner margin of the disc opposite a sepal, while in Alchemilla it consists of four stamens with introrse anthers, mounted on the outer margin of the disc and alternating with the sepals.
In view of these differences, which define Aphanes as a distinct generic entity, I have decided to revert to this genus for the species naturalized in New Zealand, a treatment in keeping with that of recent overseas workers.
Aphanes arvensis L. was originally recorded from New Zealand (locality not stated) by Hooker (1855: 321) as Alchemilla arvensis Sm., and later by the same author (1864A: 57) as collected by Travers from Tarndale Plains, South Island (as Alchemilla (Aphanes) arvensis L.) Bentham (1864: 433) refers to the occurrence of the plant in New Zealand, and commented on the nativity of the species thus “…… and is also found in New Zealand; but in the latter country, and in some, if not all, the Australian stations, very probably introduced from Europe.” The species was first recorded from the North Island by Kirk (1870: 137), it being noted as “Local” in the Waitemata district, Auckland Province.
The species which has till now been included under A. arvensis L., in New Zealand, and until recently in Europe, is* * A. microcarpa (Boiss. et Reut.) Rothm. described from Spain in 1842. This species went unrecognized in Northern Europe until Rothmaler in 1935 noted its occurrence in Sweden; it was then
[Footnote] * Species recorded for first time for New Zealand.
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reported from Denmark by Gudjonsson in 1941, from Britain by Rothmaler in 1941, and more recently Walters (1949:163–9) has shown it to be widespread in Britain. This latter author gives an excellent account of the two species, and I have drawn on the information therein for data on the European distribution of A. microcarpa and details of Alchemilla [sensu stricto].
While the two species appear similar on cursory examination, I have found that A. arvensis is generally a stout plant, A. microcarpa more slender, and with longer internodes. Differentiation of the two species on habit character has definite limitations, and the best diagnostic characters are the nature of the lobes of the floral stipules and the fruiting urceoles surmounted by the persistent calyx.
In A. microcarpa, the floral stipules usually overtop the calyx lobes, the stipular lobes are long and “finger-like,” the urceole + calyx is 1.4–1.8 mm long, and the calyx teeth are small, convergent, with no distinct constriction (neck) at the point of origin. The fruit illustrated by Hyde (1945 617) for A arvensis is typical for A. microcarpa.
In A. arvensis, the calyx lobes usually project above the floral stipules, the stipular lobes are broadly triangular, the urceole + calyx is 2.2–2.5 mm. long, the calyx lobes are longer than in the preceding species and spread from a distinct constriction.
Previously published data on distribution of A. arvensis cover the two species, and to give a clear picture of distribution more material from many districts will require to be examined. Available material shows A. microcarpa to occur in both Islands, often locally abundant, while A. arvensis occurs through the South Island, and is apparently more restricted in the North Island. I have seen only two gatherings from the North Island, both of which, although undated, were probably collected during the nineteenth century.
The speces of Aphanes occur in dry waste places, low density pasture in dry situations, and in modified low tussock grassland, commonly in the nature of ephemeral volunteers occupying bare spaces, and of little economic significance As a bottom weed of cereal crops in some districts the species tend to be significant, in damp seasons, and where the binder is employed the mass of material in the butts of sheaves retards drying out. It is as a weed of lawns and playing-greens that A. microcarpa, often associated with Soliva spp., attains definite importance, under the vernacular name “Parsleypiert.”
Specimens examined:
A. Aphanes arvensis L.
Auckland Institute and Museum, Auckland: Raglan, T F. Cheeseman, date not stated (29072, 29073, 29074, 29075); Botany Division, D.S.I.R., Wellington: Tussock-grassland, Molesworth, Marlborough, H. H. Allan, 1943 (45338) (this material is atypical, but comes closer to this species than to A. microcarpa): tussock-grassland, confluence of Doubtful and Boyle Rivers, Canterbury, 1950 (74633); stony river-flat. Mason River, Waiau, 1944 (33596); dry soils near Christchurch, collector and date not stated, (5923) (ex Herb. T. Kirk); cornfields, Lincoln, collector and date not stated (58655) (ex Herb T. W. Kirk): dune area, Cromwell Flats, H. H. Allan, 1944 (48446). Dominion Museum, Wellington. Ruataniwha, Hawke's Bay. H. Orzym (No 64), date not stated.
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B. Aphanes microcarpa (Boiss. et Reut.) Rothm.
Botany Division, D.S.I R., Wellington: near Taihape, V. D. Zotov, 1928 (872); Phormium nursery, Paiaka, near Shannon, 1943 (36267); dune pasture, Waikanae, collector and date not stated (45337); lawn, Upper Hutt, 1950 (74638); waste land, Upper Hutt, 1952 (74634); cultivated land, Wallaceville, 1952 (74634); grassy flats, Maruia River, about 8 miles west of Lewis Pass summit. 1950 (74636); on logging track, Lockington's sawmill, west of Lewis Pass summit, 1950 (74637); roadside, Omarama, H. H. Allan, 1936 (17350). Dominion Museum, Wellington: Birdling's Flat, Bank's Peninsula, T. Kirk, date not, stated (this collection, made in the nineteenth century, is the earliest I have examined from New Zealand. Examination of the material on which the records cited earlier in this paper are based may show that some belong to this species).
A further, as yet undetermined species of Aphanes was collected in New Zealand during the last century. There are specimens in the Kirk Herbarium at the Dominion Museum, Wellington, collected from Lyall Bay, Wellington, date not stated, and laid in by Kirk under A. vulgaris L. The plant is certainly not Alchemilla vulgaris, and is one of the annual species of Aphanes, but the material is not sufficiently good for an exact determination. I submitted fragmentary material from this collection to Dr. Walters, University of Cambridge, and he indicated that while it bears some resemblance to North American species, more material would be necessary for determination.