News Archive
A selection of the more newsworthy items of recent times.
A New Classification of the Vireya
Group (April 2009)
A new classification of the Vireya group has been
presented by Lyn Craven and colleagues in the botanical journal
Blumea,
published by the National Herbarium of the Netherlands.
To date, classification of the group has been largely based
on the work of Dr. Hermann Sleumer (published in 'Flora
Malesiana' ser.I, vol.6, pt.4, 1966 and subsequently
reprinted as 'An Account of Rhododendron in Malesia')
and more recently the revision by Dr George Argent of the
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh ('Rhododendrons of Subgenus
Vireya', RHS 2006).
The system of classification of both Sleumer and Argent is
based on the morphological study of the group, i.e. physical
examination of plant material leading to the establishment
of groups and sub-groups displaying similar botanical characteristics
(e.g. scale types, bracts, etc). Such a system of classification
is essentially artificial in concept, a fact acknowledged
by both authors, however serves its purpose remarkably well
in bringing order to such a large group.
The new system of classification proposed by Craven et al
differs in that it is based upon the phylogeny of the group
- that is, the evolutionary relationships between members
of the group. These relationships have been established through
research at the molecular level using DNA analysis, such advanced
methods now being considered the way forward in taxonomy.
The authors reject Argent's classification in which he raised
the taxonomic rank of Vireya to that of subgenus,
thereby on a par with, but separate from, subgenus Rhododendron.
Their research indicates that what has until now been regarded
as a single group, with a single evolutionary line, actually
comprises three distinct groups embedded within subgenus Rhododendron.
Indeed, the results show that one of these groups, Discovireya,
is more closely related to other lineages within subgenus
Rhododendron than it is to Vireya and Pseudovireya
with which it had previously been connected.
Proposed changes in taxonomy generally take time to become
widely accepted as further research is carried out and the
finer points are debated among interested parties in the scientific
world. There had been an acute need for Dr Argent's publication,
Rhododendrons of Subgenus Vireya, for quite some
time - 40 years had elapsed since Sleumer's seminal account
and in many respects Argent's work brought the Vireya
group into the 21st century, providing an invaluable source
of reference for both the botanist and the layman with its
descriptions of the 300+ species within the group.
This website currently follows Argent's classification and
will continue to do so for the time being as it is with this
system that many visitors to the site will be most familiar.
As already mentioned, however, modern taxonomy is moving towards
evolutionary classification and no doubt over time genus Rhododendron,
including Vireya, will come to be presented in this
manner.
So where does this leave the vireya enthusiast? From a horticultural
standpoint, differing systems of classification of course
make no difference to how we grow our plants but for those
with an interest in the taxonomy of the group fascinating
times lie ahead!
A copy of the Blumea paper is available here
(pdf 253kb opens in new window).
New vireya species (May 2008)
 
Rhododendron dutartrei - © F.Danet Descriptions
of two new vireya species have recently been published by Frederic
Danet of the Lyon Botanic Garden, France, in the journal Adansonia.
Rhododendron kogo and Rhododendron dutartrei
(pictured right) were discovered by M. Danet on a field trip
to Papua, Indonesia in 2006 and belong to Section Siphonovireya.
A copy of the Adansonia paper is available here
(pdf 868kb opens in new window).
Photograph © F. Danet.
Hover over image for enlargement.
Awards for vireya species (April 2008)
 
Rhododendron gardenia 'Jennifer Jean' - © Lynsey Muir RBGE
Following an assessment of plants growing at the Royal Botanic
Garden Edinburgh last year, the Royal Horticultural Society
has made a number of awards to selected clones of several vireya
species including Rhododendron gardenia 'Jennifer Jean'
(right) which received an Award of Merit (AM).
Other species to receive an Award of Merit were Rhododendron
loranthiflorum 'Dick Shaw', the bright yellow-flowered
Rhododendron macgregoriae 'Paddy Woods' and Rhododendron
macgregoriae 'Tom Grieve' with light orange flowers.
Rhododendron polyanthemum 'Sheila Collenette' was
recognised with the Society's highest accolade, a First Class
Certificate (FCC), while Rhododendron rousei 'John
Rouse' was awarded a Preliminary Commendation.
Click here for more details.
Photograph © Lynsey Muir, RBGE
Hover over image for enlargement.
 New
book by Dr. George Argent (April 2008)
After nearly 20 years, a revised and greatly expanded edition
of the classic 'Rhododendrons of Sabah' has been released,
under the slightly amended title of 'Rhododendrons of Sabah,
Malaysian Borneo' by George Argent, Anthony Lamb and Anthea
Phillipps.
Originally published in softcover by the Sabah Parks Trustees
in 1988, this new hardback edition boasts double the number
of pages at 280, (size 18.5cm x 25.5cm - 7 1/2 " x 10")
and is published by Natural
History Publications (Borneo), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
The book can be ordered direct from the publishers through
their website, priced US$69.00 plus shipping via DHL, or is
available from specialist bookstores.
ISBN: 983-812-111-8
A review of the book is available here.
|
|
