
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Keppel, Gunnar 
T1  - Morphological variation, an expanded description and ethnobotanical evaluation of <i>Cycas seemannii</i> A.Braun (Cycadaceae)
JF  - The South Pacific Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences
JO  - S. Pac. J. Nat. App. Sci.
Y1  - 2009
VL  - 27
IS  - 1
SP  - 20
EP  - 27
KW  - Cycas, ethnobotany, morphology, morphometrics, taxonomy.
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/SP09004 
N2  - Cycas seemannii (Cycadaceae) is a widespread and highly variable species. This study investigates morphological variability and ethnobotanical uses throughout the entire range (Torres Strait Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga) of the species. The  morphological characters studied are highly variable among populations and unrelated to genetic differences. Characters are also  more variable than previously assumed and because of this we provide an updated, detailed taxonomic description of Cycas seemannii based on extensive morphometric data, fieldwork and herbarium specimens. The plant is of great cultural importance in Vanuatu, its seeds are utilised as a source of starch and it is a widely cultivated ornamental. Possible consequences of the plant's decreasing cultural importance are discussed. 
ER  -

