SYSTEMATICS OF ABROTANELLA, AN AMPHI-PACIFIC GENUS OF ASTERACEAE (SENECIONEAE)

The amphi-pacific genus Abrotanella (GAUDICH.) CASS. of the southern hemisphere in the Asteraceae (Senecioneae, Blennospermatinae) is revised and 18 species are recognized. Three new species are described: A. fertilis SWENSON from New Zealand, A. purpurea SWENSON and A. trilobata SWENSON from southern South America. The sexual function of central florets, perfect or functionally male, floret vascular pattern, and internal secretory spaces in the phyllaries are shown to be taxonomically informative for the circumscription of the species. Central without marginal vascular tissue in the lobes of florets, a unique pattern for Asteraceae, is reported. A diagnostic key, line drawings, descriptions, and distribution maps are supplied for all species.