EDDIE, W. M.1* and C. N. CUPIDO2. 1Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX78712; 2National Botanical Institute, The Compton Herbarium, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, Republic of South Africa. - Some observations on the reproductive morphology of the wahlenbergioid genera of the family Campanulaceae s.str.from the fynbos vegetation of South Africa.
The morphology of the capsule, particularly the mode of dehiscence has
traditionally been an important character for the classification of
the Campanulaceae s. str., of which there are approximately ten
endemic genera recognised in the South African region. Most of these
are confined to the fynbos vegetation of the Western Cape Province. It
is hypothesised that the edaphic conditions of the Western Cape,
combined with very rugged topography and selection for highly
specialised pollinators has contributed significantly to local
speciation events and ultimately the evolution of these unique
genera.
Key words: Campanulaceae, fynbos, reproductive_morphology, South_Africa